NW Momentum Health Partners ACO, LLC Provides Notice of Data Security Incident

August 9th, 2022

On June 28, 2022 NW Momentum Health Partners ACO, LLC (“NW Momentum”) was notified about a security incident occurring at information technology business associate Avamere Health Services, LLC (“Avamere”). Specifically, Avamere reports that it experienced intermittent unauthorized access to a network between January 19, 2022 and March 17, 2022. Upon learning of the issue, Avamere reports it commenced a prompt and thorough investigation in consultation with outside cybersecurity professionals, which determined that an unauthorized party potentially removed a limited number of files and folders from the network.

After an extensive forensic investigation, Avamere concluded on June 22, 2022 that the files and folders that were potentially removed contained identifiable protected health information such as full names, medical diagnosis/conditions information, admit/discharge dates, and provider names related to dates of service between September 2016 through November 2021.

Out of an abundance of caution, NW Momentum is issuing this notification to alert individuals whose information may have been included in the impacted files and folders. Affected individuals will be provided complimentary credit monitoring services. Affected individuals should review the explanation of benefits statements they receive from their health insurance providers and follow up on any items or services not recognized. Additional safeguards are outlined below.

The security and privacy of personal information is of the utmost importance. Since the incident, Avamere’ states its Information Technology (“IT”) department and external security experts have reviewed and enhanced Avamere’s systems to reduce the chance of a similar event from occurring in the future.

This incident only affects NW Momentum beneficiaries who were notified at the time of treatment that the facility or provider participates in the BPCI Advanced program. Individuals seeking to determine if they are impacted and obtain complimentary credit monitoring services, or otherwise have questions or need additional information regarding this incident, should call the dedicated toll-free response line at (833) 909-4422. The response line is available Monday through Friday, 6 am to 6 pm Pacific.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Placing a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File

You may place an initial 1-year “fraud alert” on your credit files, at no charge. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you personally before they open any new accounts. To place a fraud alert, call any one of the three major credit bureaus at the numbers listed below. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, they will notify the others.

Equifax
P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348
https://www.equifax.com/ personal/credit-report-services/credit-fraud-alerts/
800-525-6285

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html
888-397-3742

TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, PA 92834-6790
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-alerts
800-680-7289

Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit File

If you are very concerned about becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, you may request a “security freeze” be placed on your credit file, at no charge. A security freeze prohibits, with certain specific exceptions, the consumer reporting agencies from releasing your credit report or any information from it without your express authorization. You may place a security freeze on your credit report by sending a request in writing or by mail, to all three nationwide credit reporting companies. To find out more about how to place a security freeze, you can use the following contact information:

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/ or 800-349-9960

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013
http://experian.com/freeze
(888) 397-3742

TransUnion Security Freeze
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016 https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze or 888-909-8872

In order to place the security freeze, you’ll need to supply your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and other personal information. After receiving your freeze request, each credit monitoring company will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze.

If your personal information has been used to file a false tax return, to open an account or to attempt to open an account in your name or to commit fraud or other crimes against you, you may file a police report in the City in which you currently reside.

Obtaining a Free Credit Report

Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the above three major nationwide credit reporting companies. Call 1-877-322-8228 or request your free credit reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com. Once you receive your credit reports, review them for discrepancies. Identify any accounts you did not open or inquiries from creditors that you did not authorize. Verify all information is correct. If you have questions or notice incorrect information, contact the credit reporting company.

Additional Helpful Resources

Even if you do not find any suspicious activity on your initial credit reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you check your credit reports periodically. Checking your credit report periodically can help you spot problems and address them quickly.

If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, call your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, as many creditors will want the information it contains to absolve you of the fraudulent debts. You may also file a complaint with the FTC by contacting them on the web at www.ftc.gov/idtheft, by phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338), or by mail at Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Your complaint will be added to the FTC’s Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, where it will be accessible to law enforcement for their investigations. In addition, you may obtain information from the FTC about fraud alerts and security freezes.

Protecting Your Medical Information

The following practices can help to protect you from medical identity theft.

  • Only share your health insurance cards with your health care providers and other family members who are covered under your insurance plan or who help you with your medical care.
  • Review your “explanation of benefits statement” which you receive from your health insurance company. Follow up with your insurance company or care provider for any items you do not recognize. If necessary, contact the care provider on the explanation of benefits statement and ask for copies of medical records from the date of the potential access (noted above) to current date
  • Ask your insurance company for a current year-to-date report of all services paid for you as a beneficiary. Follow up with your insurance company or the care provider for any items you do not recognize.

Idaho Residents: You may obtain information about preventing identity theft from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office: Consumer Protection Division, 954 W. Jefferson, 2nd Floor, Boise, ID 83720, https://www.ag.idaho.gov/consumer-protection/, Telephone: 208-334-2424.

Oregon Residents: You may obtain information about preventing identity theft from the Oregon Attorney General’s Office: Oregon Department of Justice, 1162 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301-4096, www.doj.state.or.us/, Telephone: 877-877-9392.

Washington Residents: You may obtain information about preventing identity theft from the Washington Attorney General’s Office: 1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504, https://www.atg.wa.gov/guardit.aspx, Telephone: 360-753-6200.