Dover – In the last week, about 3,700 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware members received Explanation of Benefits forms with a correct name on one side of the form, but the name of another member and that member’s medical treatment information on the other side, Insurance Commissioner Denn said Thursday.

 

“Blue Cross notified the Department of Insurance of this serious error and is asking members who receive a form with someone else’s private medical information to dispose of the forms securely,” Commissioner Denn said. “But this is a situation I will investigate in a public hearing and determine whether any sanction against the company is warranted.”

 

Commissioner Denn has scheduled a hearing on the matter for later this month. Potential penalties include fines and further remedial action to protect the privacy of subscribers.

 

Blue Cross told the Commissioner the error was the result of a printing malfunction, and that the forms do not include Social Security numbers and medical procedures are listed in general terms. The company said it is mailing an explanatory letter and corrected benefits explanation form to the affected members.

 

“Blue Cross’s mistake has resulted in serious violation of many people’s privacy, but I hope those Delawareans who received someone else’s medical information will handle the situation appropriately, shredding the incorrect notices and not discussing them in any way,” Commissioner Denn said.

 

Blue Cross members with questions can call the company at 1-866-568-3790 or the Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611.

 

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