UAW Local 1050 Health Benefits
Shervon Redd
UAW Benefits Representative,  216-641-4627                  Shervon.redd@alcoa.com

Benefits Report

By Shervon Redd

Benefits Representative

Anthem Data Security Breach

During the first week of February, Anthem, Inc.—one of the nation’s largest insurance companies—announced it was the target of a sophisticated cyberattack. Anthem is a part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which also includes Alcoa’s claims administrator, Highmark.

 The cyber-attackers gained unauthorized access to Anthem’s IT system and obtained personal information including names, birthdays, medical ID numbers, social security numbers, street and email addresses, and other employment information. According to Anthem, based on what is known, there is no evidence that credit card or medical information, such as claims, test results or diagnostic codes, were targeted or compromised.

 What does it mean for Alcoa employees?

Employees and their dependents who are enrolled in Alcoa's health plans and live or work in areas where Anthem operates as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield provider may be impacted. In addition, any employee or dependent who used health care services (e.g., while on vacation or attending school) in an area where Anthem operates may be impacted.  Anthem provides services in:

The cyber-attackers obtained information going back to 2004, and information could have been obtained from your relationship with Anthem through previous employers and family members. Your information could have been obtained if, during the past 10 years:

·         Anthem provided your health care coverage

·         You were a dependent of someone who had Anthem health care coverage

·         You had Blue Cross and Blue Shield health care coverage, including coverage through Highmark, and were treated in an area where Anthem operates

 How do I know if I was impacted?

Over the next few weeks, Anthem is sending notification letters to people impacted by the security breach. If you had Anthem coverage and Anthem has your email address, you will also receive an email containing the same information as the letters. The email will not ask you for additional information. The only link included in the email will be to Anthem’s information site (AnthemFacts.com). Highmark has not provided any email addresses to Anthem.

 What happens next?

If you were impacted by the security breach, Anthem will provide 24 months of identity theft repair and credit monitoring services. Your letter will include information on how to access these services.

 I have questions. Whom do I contact?

Anthem has established a dedicated website (AnthemFacts.com) to access additional information, including frequently asked questions and answers. 

 Protect yourself.

Due to the widespread reach of this cyber-attack, those affected may receive scam emails attempting to obtain personal information.  If you receive any emails regarding the Anthem cyber-attack asking for personal information, or asking you to click on an unfamiliar link:

·         Do not click on any links in email.

·         Do not reply to the email or reach out to the senders in any way.

·         Do not supply any information on the website that may open, if you have clicked on a link in an email.

·         Do not open any attachments that arrive with email.

·         Contact your local IT support to report any suspicious email sent to your Alcoa account.

For more guidance on recognizing scam email, please visit the FTC Website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing

In Solidarity,

Sister,

Shervon Redd

                                                                      Top of page