Laptop theft exposes private info of AvMed Health Plans’ customers

Current and former AvMed Health Plans members’ personal information may have been affected by the theft of laptop computers from the company’s offices.

In December 2009, two company laptop computers were stolen from an AvMed facility in Gainesville, Florida. AvMed reported the theft to law enforcement authorities and began its own forensic investigation to determine the nature of the information stored on the laptops.

In February, 2010, AvMed notified approximately 360,000 current and former members whose information may have been compromised as a result of the theft. The relevant information on the laptops included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and health-related information.

As this investigation progressed with the involvement of leading data security experts, AvMed has concluded that there is reason to believe that similar information of approximately 860,000 additional current and former members may have been included. There has been no evidence that any personal information has been misused as a result of this incident.

AvMed has contracted with Debix, a provider of identity protection services, to assist in the notification of current and former members. Beginning the week of June 7, letters will be mailed to these current and former members to advise them of this situation, and to provide them with a reference guide of steps they can take to protect their personal information. In addition, AvMed is providing two years of identity protection under the Debix Identity Protection Network at no cost to affected individuals.