HHS OCR report ยท 2021
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan
- Entity type
- Health Plan
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Individuals affected
- 18,900
- Submission date
- Feb 5, 2021
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan, reported that an employee was the victim of an email phishing attack that affected the electronic protected health information (ePHI) of 18,900 individuals. The ePHI involved included names, dates of birth, and clinical and treatment information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, and the media. In response to the breach, the CE strengthened it technical safeguards to better protect its ePHI. The CE also...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 18,900 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Feb 5, 2021.
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 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 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 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan.