HOUSTON – Tens of thousands of Texans are now being told their data was part of a privacy breach that dates back to 2021.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) told another 33,529 Texans who receive agency services that “their protected health, personal identifying or sensitive personal information may have been inappropriately accessed, used or disclosed.”
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According to HHSC, this data breach dates back to June 2021 through January 2025.
The state agency was first notified of the privacy breach on November 21, 2024, and confirmed the breach just a few days later on December 5, 2024.
Originally, the state agency said that at least 61,000 people may have had their information stolen or accessed. That number is now 94,000, according to a message from the state agency.
The following victim information that may have been accessed or stolen includes:
- full names
- home addresses
- telephone numbers
- dates of birth
- email addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Medicaid and Medicare identification numbers
- financial information
- employment information
- banking information
- benefits information
- health information
- insurance information
- medical information
- certificate information
- license information
- other personal information
It’s important to know that the data accessed is different for each individual.
“The data that may have been inappropriately accessed, used or disclosed were not the same for everyone,” the agency wrote.
Nine Texas HHSC employees have been terminated as a result of the investigation.
The employee misconduct was identified on July 9, 2024.
“HHSC is strengthening internal security controls and working to implement additional fraud prevention measures, including enhanced monitoring and alerts to detect suspicious activity,“ the agency wrote in a press release. ”HHSC understands the impact this privacy breach may have, and is committed to protecting the confidential information of those we serve.”
The addition of Texans added to the data breach comes amid a KPRC 2 Investigation into SNAP Skimming.
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Dozens of Texans have shared their stories with 2 Helps You after their SNAP EBT cards were accessed and their monthly benefits funds drained.
For those impacted by the data breach, Texas HHSC is offering two hears of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
Here’s what the state has provided for you to get the offered protection:
Individuals affected by the breach will be notified via first-class mail no later than April 30.
They can also call 866-362-1773, toll-free, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time (excluding major U.S. holidays). When calling, use the engagement number B139792.
