Aetna revealed the HIV status of the members when it mailed letters with information clearly visible through a window on the envelopes about filling prescriptions for HIV medications as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis, a pill that helps prevent a person from contracting HIV. Aetna said a vendor who mailed the letters in late July used the windowed envelopes.
Patients in Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and the District of Columbia contacted attorneys after receiving the letters.
On Monday, the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, the Legal Action Center and Berger & Montague filed the lawsuit against Aetna on behalf of affected customers. The lawsuit claims the insurer violated HIPAA by sending the letters with the confidential information exposed.
Aetna apologized last week to those affected by the mailing issue. The insurer said it is reviewing its processes to ensure a similar incident does not occur in the future.
The lawsuit demands Aetna stop sending customers’ information about HIV medications through the mail, reform its procedures and pay damages, according to The Hill.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
4 of the most pressing healthcare legal issues
9 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
Operators of nearly 300 cancer treatment centers accused of illegally dividing up Florida market
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.