CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director 608-266-1683

Department Requests Attorney General to Consider Legal Action Against EDS

MADISON - Department of Health and Family Services Secretary Kevin R. Hayden today asked Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen to consider legal action in response to EDS Corporation’s release of social security numbers in a mailing sent to Medicaid, BadgerCare and SeniorCare members.

“We believe EDS violated its contract with the state, as well as state and federal privacy laws and it should be held accountable,” Secretary Hayden said. “This confidential information should have never been printed and this mistake has left our members vulnerable.”

EDS holds a contract with DHFS as the private vendor for state Medicaid Services. In a mailing sent earlier this month, members’ social security numbers were printed on approximately 260,000 newsletter labels.

“The EDS error is egregious and it is important to send a strong message to all contractors and companies that there are real consequences if confidential information is released,” Secretary Hayden pointed out.

By early next week, those affected will receive a letter detailing how they can sign up for free credit monitoring and we encourage them to take advantage of this service. EDS will be providing the free credit monitoring at no cost to the State.

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Last Revised:  July 12, 2010