© 2025 WGCU News
PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Hack Exposed Files Of Up To 30,000 Medicaid Patients

By The Associated Press
Published January 7, 2018 at 11:28 AM EST

Florida officials say hackers may have accessed the personal information and medical records of up to 30,000 Medicaid recipients two months ago.

The state's Agency for Health Care Administration said in a  Friday evening news release that one of its employees "was the victim of a malicious phishing email" on Nov. 15, and on Tuesday, agency leaders were notified about the preliminary findings of an Inspector General investigation. It found that hackers may have partly or fully accessed the enrollees' full names, Medicaid ID numbers, birthdates, addresses, diagnoses, medical conditions and Social Security numbers.

The agency said it "has no reason to believe" this information has been misused, but enrollees can call an agency hotline at  844-749-8327.

Meanwhile, the agency said it's training all employees on proper security protocol.

Copyright 2020 Health News Florida. To see more, visit .

Tags
HackingHealth CareLocal
The Associated Press
See stories by The Associated Press
Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from WGCU
  • Environment
    Gray Catbirds – “Skulkers” and Hunters in Dense Vegetation
    Dr. Jerry Jackson
    Gray Catbirds are in a bird family known as the “Mimidae” – because they mimic other birds, other animals, and even mechanical sounds. Other members of their family in Florida include the Brown Thrasher and the Northern Mockingbird – two excellent mimics that we often see and hear year-round as they feed, sing, and nest in relatively open vegetation. They often mimic the vocalizations of other bird species and it has been suggested that their mimicry may send the message that the area is crowded – and cause other birds to search for food elsewhere.
  • Free seasonal LeeTran Downtown Trolley is slated to resume runs.
    Transportation
    Free seasonal LeeTran downtown trolley and Fort Myers Beach trams to resume November 20
    WGCU Staff
    Residents and visitors once again may enjoy convenient, stress-free travel to some of Lee County’s most popular destinations as LeeTran resumes free seasonal trolley and tram services. Connectivity and timing improvements made to other LeeTran routes.
  • American bald eagle at Myakka State park, Sarasota
    Environment
    Florida state parks offer free admission for all on Veterans Day
    WGCU Staff
     As the nation prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites Floridians to reflect on the people and places that shaped the nation’s story and the service members who have safeguarded it. On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Florida State Parks will offer free admission for all visitors to recognize and thank those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.