In April 2023, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care experienced a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of nearly 3 million individuals. This breach exposed sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, health insurance details, and medical histories. As a result, a class action lawsuit was filed, leading to a $16 million settlement to compensate affected individuals.
This article provides an in-depth look at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care data breach class action settlement, including background information, eligibility criteria, claim process, and steps to protect your personal information.
Table of Contents
- Background of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Data Breach
- Details of the Class Action Settlement
- Eligibility Criteria
- How to File a Claim
- Important Deadlines
- Protecting Your Personal Information
- Conclusion
Background of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Data Breach
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a prominent health insurance provider in New England and part of Point32Health, discovered a cybersecurity incident on April 17, 2023. Unauthorized actors accessed Harvard Pilgrim’s systems between March 28 and April 17, 2023, compromising sensitive personal and health information.
The compromised data included:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Dates of birth
- Health insurance account information
- Social Security numbers
- Medical histories and treatment
Following the breach, affected individuals were notified, and a class action lawsuit was filed, alleging that Harvard Pilgrim failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to protect personal information.
Details of the Class Action Settlement
To resolve the allegations without admitting wrongdoing, Harvard Pilgrim agreed to a $16 million settlement. The settlement provides compensation and services to individuals whose personal information was compromised in the breach.
Compensation includes:
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement of up to $2,500 for documented expenses related to the breach, such as bank fees, credit monitoring costs, and communication charges.
- Lost Time: Compensation of $30 per hour for up to 7 hours spent addressing issues related to the breach.
- Alternative Cash Payment: A flat payment of $150 for individuals who do not submit claims for out-of-pocket expenses or lost time.
- Extraordinary Losses: Reimbursement of up to $35,000 for individuals who experienced significant financial losses due to identity theft or fraud resulting from the breach.
- Credit Monitoring Services: Three years of free credit monitoring, including dark web scanning, identity theft insurance, and access to fraud resolution agents.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- Your personal information was compromised in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care data breach between March 28 and April 17, 2023.
- You received a notification from Harvard Pilgrim informing you of the breach.
How to File a Claim
To receive benefits from the settlement, you must submit a valid claim form by August 25, 2025. Claims can be filed online or by mail.
Online Claim Submission:
- Visit the official settlement website to complete and submit your claim form.
Mail Claim Submission:
- Download and print the claim form from the settlement website.
- Mail the completed form to: Harvard Pilgrim Data Security Incident Settlement
c/o Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 25245
Santa Ana, CA 92799.
Documentation Requirements:
- Provide supporting documents for any claimed out-of-pocket expenses or extraordinary losses.
- Include a brief description of the time spent addressing issues related to the breach if claiming lost time compensation.
Important Deadlines
- Claim Submission Deadline: August 25, 2025
- Exclusion and Objection Deadline: June 27, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: July 28, 2025
Protecting Your Personal Information
In light of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care data breach, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your personal information:
- Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit reports for unauthorized activity.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords and update them regularly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Scams: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unverified sources.
Conclusion
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care data breach class action settlement provides an opportunity for affected individuals to receive compensation and credit monitoring services. If your personal information was compromised in the April 2023 breach, ensure you submit your claim by August 25, 2025, to take advantage of the settlement benefits.
For more information and to file your claim, visit the official settlement website.
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Stay informed about class action settlements to protect your rights and personal information.