Release: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City policyholders impacted by Newkirk data breach

Insurance information of more than 400,000 Missourians potentially impacted

Jefferson City, Mo – The Missouri Department of Insurance was informed today that Newkirk Products, Inc., a service provider that issues healthcare ID cards for health insurance plans has had a data breach. Newkirk Products, Inc., prints insurance ID cards for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and 411,786 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City member information has been potentially exposed through the unauthorized access of Newkirk Product, Inc., servers.

“As Missouri’s insurance regulator, we take every cybersecurity incident very seriously,” said Missouri Department of Insurance Director John M. Huff. “While information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City members was not accessed, I still encourage Missouri customers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City to monitor their banking and other financial accounts for suspicious activity. As we continue to gather more information, we will ensure that impacted Missourians receive the necessary resources to safeguard themselves from any financial hardship as a result of the cybersecurity incident.”

The data breach, which involved unauthorized access to a server containing certain personal information, did not have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City members’ Social Security numbers, dates of birth, banking or credit card information, medical information or any insurance claims information; therefore this information was not accessed or compromised.

No health plans’ systems were accessed or affected in any way. Additionally, Newkirk Products, Inc., has no evidence to date that such data has been used inappropriately. 

Newkirk Products, Inc., is sending formal notifications to impacted members of the breach. The letters will include an explanation of the incident, an offer of two years of free monitoring and identity restoration.

Newkirk Products, Inc., has established a dedicated assistance line for anyone seeking additional information regarding this incident, as well as steps to better protect against identity theft. This assistance line can be reached at 1-855-303-9773 (TTY/TDD: 711), Monday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm CST.  Newkirk has also established a dedicated website (www.newkirkproductsfacts.com) where members can access information regarding the incident, including frequently asked questions and answers. 

Missourians who have questions about general insurance coverage or how to protect themselves can contact the department by calling 800-726-7390 or by visiting insurance.mo.gov.