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Console & Associate, P.C.: Data Breach at Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services Impacts 1.2 Million (Update)
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (“DMAS”) reported a data breach on September 18, 2023. This new filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (“HHS-OCR”) is DMAS’ second filing with the organization this year. As it stands, it’s unclear if this notice is a follow-up to the previous breach, or a new incident altogether. The most recent listing reports that the incident has leaked data relating to more than 1,229,333 people. The types of information stolen remain unknown, but past DMAS breaches have compromised various types of personal information and Medicaid data.
As the DMAS data breach investigation continues, victims should receive data breach notification letters. If you receive such a letter, it’s essential that you read it carefully to understand what’s at risk. Once you know what data has been compromised, you can use our Guide for Victims of Data Breaches to take measures and protect yourself from fraud. If you want to seek compensation for your damages in court, the law firm of Console & Associates can help you mount a DMAS data breach lawsuit. Call 866-778-5500 or send us an email to info@consoleandassociates.com to schedule a free consultation and find out more.
To learn more about the data breach, read our blog post here: https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/virginia-department-of-medical-assistance-services-data-breach-investigation-update/
The Background on the Virginia DMAS Breach
Due to how recent the Virginia DMAS data breach investigation is, there’s still a great deal we don’t know about it. There is some information to go on based on the organization’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. According to this source, the data breach resulted in the theft of the private data of more than 1.2 million people.
The organization’s notice goes on to describe what it terms a “Hacking/IT” incident, where unauthorized actors were able to access a network server. After discovering the breach, the Virginia DMAS data breach investigation began with the aim of reviewing the compromised information and learning who suffered from it.
While many details are missing, the fact remains that Virginia DMAS notified HHS-OCR of the breach on September 18, 2023. This is typically the point where organizations begin identifying and notifying the victims of data breaches. If you receive a letter or other type of notification, you should read it carefully and save it for future reference. Should you experience identity fraud or other fallout from this breach, the letter will help you substantiate your claims and inform your Virginia DMAS data breach lawyers.
More Information About Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
The Virginia DMAS manages Medicaid in Virginia and provides health coverage to more than 1.4 million Virginians. Considering that this breach has impacted more than 1.2 million people, that means that almost all Medicaid users in the state may have had their data exposed.
If the Virginia DMAS data breach investigation reveals that the organization failed to adequately secure its data, it may be liable in court for the damages that the victims of this breach suffer. On the one hand, this could include compensation for any financial losses related to the breach, such as time spent protecting your identity or the cost of fraud. You can also obtain damages for the stress, fear, and emotional suffering that comes with leaked personal information.
Call 866-778-5500 or send us an email to info@consoleandassociates.com to schedule a free consultation with the Virginia DMAS data breach lawyers at the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C.
