The Breach
In 2015, health insurer Anthem disclosed a breach in which hackers accessed a database containing the personal information of about 78.8 million people — names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, addresses and employment details. It was one of the largest breaches of health-insurer data on record. Health-related organizations are prime targets because they hold rich combinations of identity and medical information.
Unlike a payment-card breach, exposed Social Security numbers and birth dates cannot simply be reissued, which is why these breaches cause lasting identity-theft risk.
The Settlement
Anthem agreed to a $115 million class-action settlement, which received final approval in 2018 and was, at the time, the largest data-breach settlement ever. It provided affected people with credit monitoring, a fund of roughly $15 million to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses, compensation for those who already had monitoring, and required Anthem to invest in security improvements. Anthem did not admit wrongdoing.
The mix of cash reimbursement, monitoring and mandated security upgrades became a template for later breach settlements.
What Affected People Should Know
The Anthem claim windows have closed. As with other SSN-exposing breaches, a credit freeze and vigilance for medical and financial identity theft are the durable protections. The case is part of the wave of health-data breach litigation that continues today with far larger incidents.
Before You Act
Thinking About Filing a Claim?
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Anthem Data Breach Lawsuit: The $115 Million Settlement: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
How much was the Anthem settlement?
$115 million, finally approved in 2018 and then the largest data-breach settlement ever. It provided credit monitoring, a ~$15 million reimbursement fund and mandated security improvements.
How many people did the Anthem breach affect?
About 78.8 million people, whose names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, addresses and employment details were exposed in the 2015 breach.
Can I still claim from Anthem?
No, the claim windows have closed. Protect yourself with a credit freeze and by watching for medical and financial identity theft.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case status, eligibility criteria, and any amounts described are as reported at the date shown and may change. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your own situation.