| The Governor’s office has announced that personal information on an additional 66,000 people was contained on a computer backup tape stolen from a state intern’s car last June. The latest “data set” identified through a review of the backup includes Social Security numbers for former state employees and other citizens, the Department of Administrative Services reported. Additionally, information on another 40,000 businesses is at risk. The administration had previously announced that the tape contained sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and bank account data, on some 860,000 individuals and about 260,000 businesses, governments and other groups inclusive of physicians. Physicians treating Medicaid patients have been informed by the Medicaid Director that the State of Ohio has confirmed that the data storage device did contain confidential files that could impact Medicaid providers. The files contained provider names, address, tax ID number and bank account identifiers for Medicaid providers eligible to receive payment through electronic fund transfer (EFT). The Medicaid Director is of the opinion that it is unlikely that anyone will be able to access the data, however, they are suggesting that providers that may be affected contact their financial institutions to monitor their accounts and review accounts for accuracy. Details and further information for physicians and other health care providers may be found at
www.ohio.gov/idprotect
|