Notice to Members Regarding Missing Laptops

On Monday, November 4, 2013, Horizon BCBSNJ learned that two password-protected, unencrypted laptop computers that were cable-locked to employee workstations were stolen from our Newark headquarters over the weekend of November 1, 2013. We immediately notified local law enforcement and began a thorough internal investigation to determine what information was contained on the laptops.

After a detailed review with outside computer forensic experts, we have confirmed that the laptops may have contained files with differing amounts of member information, including name and demographic information (e.g., address, date of birth, Horizon BCBSNJ identification number), and in some instances, a Social Security number and/or limited clinical information. Due to the way the stolen laptops were configured, we are not certain that all of the member information contained on the laptops is accessible. We have been working with law enforcement, but to date, have been unable to locate the laptops.

We have no reason to believe that the laptops were stolen for the information they contained or that the information has been accessed or used in any way. However, in an abundance of caution, we began sending letters to affected members on December 6, 2013.

Horizon BCBSNJ has also established a dedicated call center for members to contact with any questions. If you believe you are affected but have not received a letter by December 20, 2013, please call 877-237-9502 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (closed on U.S. observed holidays), and provide the following ten digit reference number 2156112613 when prompted.

We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause. Horizon BCBSNJ is committed to protecting your information. To help prevent something like this from happening in the future, we are strengthening our encryption processes and enhancing our policies, procedures and staff education regarding the safeguarding of company property and member information.