Information about Anthem Data Breach

March 11, 2015 (INDIANAPOLIS) - Highmark, a vendor of the Christian Church Health Care Benefit Trust (CCHCBT), recently notified clients that some of its members who received health care services in the past 10 years within Anthem's Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage areas may have been affected by Anthem's recent cyber-attack.

Anthem, Inc., a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan that offers health care coverage in a number of states, recently had a large data breach. While Highmark is not directly affiliated with Anthem, Highmark works with Anthem on certain aspects of health care coverage. Highmark is one of 37 locally-operated companies across the U.S. that form the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, which includes Anthem. Because Highmark members are part of the larger Blue Cross Blue Shield system, they are able to receive high-quality, affordable health care in areas serviced by other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.

Highmark has sent a letter to affected members* advising them of the incident and recommending they enroll in free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services offered by Anthem. These potentially affected members will also receive a letter from Anthem with more information about the breach, and information about how to register for free protection services.

According to Highmark, its systems were not affected by the Anthem breach. Highmark's security controls are designed to prevent breaches, detect threats and respond immediately to concerns. For heightened security to protect members' confidential information, Highmark uses 'Unique Member Identifiers' rather than Social Security numbers to identify its members.

Highmark members may call Member Services at the toll-free number on their Highmark member ID card if they have additional questions.

* The affected Anthem service area includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Christian Church Health Care Benefit Trust (CCHCBT): The CCHCBT and Pension Fund of the Christian Church have been providing church-wide health care coverage since 1972, and dental care coverage since 2004. This program offer a variety of medical plans, including prescription drug and vision coverage, dental plans and flexible spending account administration (Medicare Supplement plans are also available for eligible members). Visit http://www.pensionfund.org/products-and-services/health-benefits for more information.

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