Group Health Cooperative of South Central WI Data Breach

The January 2024 Data Breach at Group Health Cooperative of South Central WI

On January 25, 2024, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) discovered a significant data breach that exposed sensitive information belonging to over half a million individuals. This breach was promptly reported to the relevant authorities, including the Attorney General's offices in Maine and Massachusetts.

Information Exposed

• Social Security Number

Group Health Cooperative of South Central WI's Response

Following the discovery of the data breach, GHC-SCW took immediate steps to address the situation. The organization notified affected consumers by written communication on February 9, 2024. They have also been working closely with cybersecurity professionals to enhance their security measures and prevent future incidents. GHC-SCW is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of all personal information and is taking this matter very seriously.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe you were affected by this data breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your identity and personal information:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank, credit card, and other financial statements for any unauthorized activity.
2. Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, which warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim and they should verify that anyone seeking credit in your name really is you.
3. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more severe step than a fraud alert, a credit freeze makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Remember that it does not prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts.
4. Check Your Credit Reports: You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them for discrepancies and unfamiliar activities.
5. Report Identity Theft: If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

For more detailed information, you can view the official disclosures on the Maine Attorney General's website and the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

About Group Health Cooperative of South Central WI

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is a not-for-profit managed health care organization that provides a comprehensive range of health care services. These include insurance, primary care, and specialty care. Known for its nationally-ranked primary care clinics, GHC-SCW integrates these with its insurance arm to deliver quality care with value-added services. The organization emphasizes primary care, fostering lasting relationships between patients and their primary care providers to understand and meet health care needs effectively.