Personal data on ObamaCare enrollees may be compromised

Connecticut’s health insurance exchange acknowledged Friday that the personal information of some enrollees may have been compromised.

In a statement, Access Health CT CEO Kevin Counihan said that an individual discovered a backpack on a Hartford street containing the personal information of about 400 people.

{mosads}Because the backpack contained paperwork for the exchange, “it appears as though some of that personal information may be associated with Access Health CT accounts,” Counihan said.

The situation is currently under investigation by the Hartford Police Department. Counihan apologized to the public and said the individuals affected would be contacted.

Outreach teams will “address this situation as quickly as possible, including ensuring that we address the potential issue of identity theft,” he said.

“This situation does not involve consumers who have used HealthCare.gov,” said Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services spokesman Aaron Albright in a statement. “We are in contact with Connecticut and the state is providing updates on this incident.”

Any compromise of personal data on ObamaCare’s exchanges is likely to ignite new criticisms of the law and its management.

Republicans have consistently expressed concerns that personal information could be abused by counselors for the exchanges known as “navigators.” 

Updated at 6:19 p.m.