Bookmark & ShareFor Immediate Release: 12/11/2008
In mid-November, Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) told UMP that it had received extortion threats from an unknown person or persons claiming they have the personal data of millions of their customers and would expose that data if their demands for money were not met. The perpetrators demonstrated they had personal data of at least 75 ESI customers.
ESI was the pharmacy benefit manager for two plans that served Health Care Authority programs:
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program
- Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007.
- Community Health Plan of Washington (CHP) from 1998 through December 31, 2007.
Basic Health
- Community Health Plan (CHP) from 1998 to present.
While ESI does not know at this time exactly what data the perpetrators have, it is possible that UMP and CHP members enrolled in the PEBB Program from mid-2006 through the end of 2007 could be at risk. This applies to all UMP members enrolled during that time, not just those who received prescriptions. If you find you have been the victim of fraud or credit tampering, ESI has contracted with Kroll Associates to provide credit restoration services at their expense.
UMP sent a letter to its affected current and former subscribers. The Health Care Authority also sent a letter to former CHP subscribers who were possibly affected.
December 9, 2008: The Olympian ran an article about the stolen data.
Where Do I Go For Help or More Information?
For questions about the situation, or for assistance with credit issues: call Kroll at no cost to you at 1-866-795-9350, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time (6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time).
For more information, or to sign up for a list that sends e-mail updates as they happen: visit www.esisupports.com.
Read more about requesting fraud alerts and free credit reports on the Washington State Attorney General's web site.
