HHS OCR report · 2021
Anthem, Inc. data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Anthem, Inc.
- Entity type
- Business Associate
- State
- Indiana
- Individuals affected
- 5,505
- Submission date
- Oct 27, 2021
- Type of breach
- Theft
- Location of breached information
- Other Portable Electronic Device, Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- Yes
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Anthem, Inc., reported that an external back-up device and claims folder containing the protected health information (PHI) of 5,505 individuals were stolen from its business associate’s office. The PHI involved included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and claims information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, and the media. In response to the breach, the BA implemented additional physical and technical safeguards to better protect ...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by Anthem, Inc.
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem, Inc. | IN | Business Associate | 6,118 | Nov 19, 2021 | Hacking/IT Incident | Archive (closed) |
| Anthem, Inc. | IN | Health Plan | 18,580 | Jul 24, 2017 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
| Anthem, Inc. | IN | Health Plan | 3,525 | Oct 26, 2016 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Anthem, Inc. data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 5,505 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Oct 27, 2021.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Theft, with the breached information located in: Other Portable Electronic Device, Paper/Films.
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 Anthem, Inc. 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 Anthem, Inc..