Geisinger Health Plan issued the following statement on September 12:
DANVILLE, PA — In accordance with Geisinger Health System policy and applicable federal regulations, Geisinger Health Plan has notified approximately 2,800 members from 220 employers that some of their Protected Health Information (PHI) has been disclosed in an unauthorized manner. This disclosure does not affect Geisinger Gold, GHP Family or GHP Kids members.
On August 4, 2016, Geisinger Health Plan became aware that a processing error for July 30 invoices may have resulted in a limited amount of member PHI being mistakenly mailed to private citizens. The processing error has been corrected to prevent this error from happening again.
The information contained in the invoice was limited to a member name, date of birth, health insurance premium information, member identification number and smoking status. No medical treatment or financial information, such as social security number, was included in the invoice statements.
“We have contacted both the affected members and businesses regarding the processing error and the possibility of a disclosure,” said Geisinger Privacy Officer John Gildersleeve. “In addition, we have requested that the invoices be returned so they can be properly destroyed in compliance with Geisinger Health System policies and procedures.”
“If you did not receive a letter, your PHI was not included in this issue,” Gildersleeve said. “We take our responsibility to protect personal information seriously. We apologize for any inconvenience and remain dedicated to safeguarding member information.”
Anyone with questions should call toll-free 800-293-7162, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.