Healthfirst Reports Privacy Incident Impacting 5,048 Members

May 09, 2022

Company details steps to mitigate future events and protect member information

Healthfirst today notified Federal and State regulators that it has discovered that letters sent to 5,048 of its 1.7 million members were sent to outdated addresses. The company, which has taken comprehensive action to fix the issue, is also notifying affected members and offering support for those members so that they can protect themselves from harm.

On March 10, 2022, it was discovered that the company sent letters to members at previous addresses that were on file. This was due to an internal IT code change which impacted the company’s correspondence processes. A fix to the system was implemented on March 11, 2022.
Personal health information (PHI) in these letters may have included member/subscriber ID, group #, CIN #, and provider name/phone number. After careful review the company can confirm that no information such as Social Security number, bank account information, or any other financial information was included in the letters that were sent to outdated addresses.

Healthfirst takes the privacy and security of its members’ health information very seriously and is committed to taking steps to ensure its members’ information is protected. The company has committed to providing its members with support to help protect against possible identity theft or other financial loss. To provide protection and peace of mind, Healthfirst is offering affected members access to one year of free identity credit monitoring and restoration services.

About Healthfirst

Healthfirst is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State, earning the trust of 1.7 million members by ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York’s leading hospital systems, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by partnering closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals. Healthfirst is also a pioneer of the value-based care model, now recognized as a national best practice. For nearly 30 years, Healthfirst has worked with its network of hospital systems, community providers, and partners to improve health outcomes and advance health equity through better access to care—especially in underserved communities adversely impacted by disease, health disparities, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal health. Healthfirst has built its reputation in the community for top-quality products and services New Yorkers can depend on. Healthfirst serves members in New York City and on Long Island, as well as in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit Healthfirst.org.