Latest Information on EDS Mailing Error

Updated September 8, 2008

What happened?
On January 7, 2008, EDS, a private vendor for state Medicaid services, told the Department of Health and Family Services that a mistake was made with a mailing. A mailing was sent out which included Medicaid, SeniorCare or BadgerCare identification numbers on the address labels. Generally, these identification numbers are a person's social security numbers plus one extra number. EDS sent this mailing to about 260,000 Medicaid, SeniorCare, and BadgerCare members.

The Department is appalled that EDS made this mistake. We take our responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of our members very seriously. We also expect our contractors to do the same.

We have not received any reports of improper use of this information. We want to be sure you are aware of the incident. EDS is taking all possible steps to protect and inform members affected by this mailing.

What information was included?
The information disclosed was limited to a member's name, address, and the Medicaid, SeniorCare or BadgerCare ID number which is the social security number plus one number.

How do I know if this affects me?
If you received one of these mailings, EDS and this Department have contacted you by mail. You should have received a letter with information on how to sign up for free credit monitoring.

You should review the letter which included more detailed information about how to sign up for the free credit monitoring service. The free credit monitoring service is being provided by Equifax to adults.  For minors, the service is being provided by ConsumerInfo.com, An Experian^® Company.

If you have general questions on protecting your identity, visit the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protections web site at http://www.privacy.wi.gov/resources/resources.jsp.

What if someone contacts me asking for my confidential information?

The offer for credit monitoring was sent to all affected members through the mail. To sign up, YOU must call or register online. Neither EDS nor the Department will call you or come to your home and ask you for your confidential information to sign up for credit monitoring.

As always, you should be very hesitant to disclose this information to anyone who calls or shows up at the door asking for it. Unless you initiate the contact, you generally should not share personal information.

View the brochure Identity Theft Consumer Tips, at the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protections http://privacy.wi.gov/factsheets/pdf/IDTheftConsumerTips636.pdf.

What if I have more questions?
You may contact EDS member services by calling 1-800-362-3002. Their hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.

View news releases

01/08/08, Statement from Deputy Secretary Karen Timberlake Regarding EDS’ Mailing Error