Express Scripts Security Breach

Many members have contacted PEF regarding a letter they recently received from Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the Pharmacy Benefit Manager for the Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program for the period 1/1/99 – 12/31/05.  The letter notifies Empire Plan enrollees of an incident that resulted in unauthorized access to Empire Plan enrollee information including name, social security number, date of birth and possibly prescription information.  PEF is working with the NYS Department of Civil Service, the state agency responsible for administering the New York State Health Insurance Program, to obtain more information regarding the security breach.

ESI is unaware at this time of any actual misuse of Empire Plan information, and is continuing to work with the FBI to investigate.  ESI has set up a website, www.esisupports.com, which contains helpful information and resources for affected Empire Plan enrollees.  ESI has contracted with Kroll Inc., the world’s leading risk-consulting company, to provide expert assistance to members who believe their data may have been misused because of this incident.  If an enrollee does experience identity theft resulting from this incident, he or she will be assigned a licensed investigator at Kroll who will work to validate and address all concerns.  ESI will provide identity restoration services from Kroll for all legitimate and approved cases of identity theft caused by this incident.  If you received a letter from ESI advising you of the security breach, and you have concerns about your personal information, you may contact Kroll, at no charge to you, at 866-795-9350, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time), to discuss your concerns with a U.S.-based customer care representative specially trained in handling privacy breach events, fraud, and identity theft issues.

As more information becomes available, we will share it with members as quickly as possible.

9/22/09