HHS OCR report · 2018
Gold Coast Health Plan data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Gold Coast Health Plan
- Entity type
- Business Associate
- State
- California
- Individuals affected
- 37,005
- Submission date
- Oct 5, 2018
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Business associate present
- Yes
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
On October 5, 2018, the covered entity (CE), Gold Coast Health Plan, reported that phishing attacks compromised its workforce members’ emails, affecting 37,005 individuals. The types of protected health information (PHI) involved in the breach included names, dates of birth, Medi-Cal numbers, health plan names, claims information, diagnoses/conditions, and other treatment information. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, affected individuals, and the media. In response to the breach...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by Gold Coast Health Plan
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Health Plan | CA | Health Plan | 540 | Dec 30, 2025 | Hacking/IT Incident | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Gold Coast Health Plan data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 37,005 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Oct 5, 2018.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Hacking/IT Incident, with the breached information located in: Email.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from Gold Coast Health Plan legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or Gold Coast Health Plan.