Patient data breaches from 2023 and 2024 are finally reaching settlement at an Alabama behavioral health system and a New York gastroenterology practice, with courts granting preliminary approval to both class action resolutions.
A July 2023 intrusion at Highland Health Systems exposed the electronic protected health information of 83,543 people, including Social Security numbers, account and payment card numbers, medical information, and tax IDs. The Anniston, Alabama nonprofit will fund a $650,000 settlement. Class members can claim up to $5,000 in documented losses or a pro rata cash payment expected near $85, and receive a two-year membership to a medical identity protection service. The objection and opt-out deadline is September 28.
Albany Gastroenterology Consultants, a practice in Albany, New York, will fund a $200,000 settlement after a November 10, 2024 intrusion exposed the personal and health information of 57,751 individuals. The litigation moved from New York state court to Miami-Dade County, Florida. Class members can claim documented losses up to $2,500 or a cash payment expected around $10, plus two years of credit and medical data monitoring. Objections are due August 21 and claims by October 5.
Both defendants deny the allegations. Final approval hearings are set after the claim deadlines.
