Health Information Data Security in the Private Sector-Things You Need to Know
In February 2015 (1) and in March 2015 (2), there were two huge security breaches at privately run insurance companies, Anthem Health and Premera Blue Cross of Washington. The former was so significant there has been a legislative review. However, what is missing is the public outcry over the "open window" on your most personal information, because that is essentially what a data breach is; a burglar entering a private company and stealing valuable property. This property belongs to you and only under specific circumstances should you authorize anyone else to have access to this information. On February 5, 2015, 78.8 million health care records were hacked at Anthem, a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate, formerly known as Wellpoint. This means that the social security number, medical history, names, income information and addresses were all compromised. What makes this breach so egregious is unlike getting a new credit card number, changing ones health history is not doable. A...