WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials say a government computer system that interacts with HealthCare.gov was hacked earlier this month, compromising the sensitive personal data of some 75,000 people. The breached system was shut down and technicians are working to restore it before sign-up season starts Nov. 1.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made the announcement late Friday afternoon, a time slot agencies often use to release unfavorable developments.
Officials said the hacked system is used by insurance agents and brokers to directly enroll customers for subsidized health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. All other sign-up systems are working.
Law enforcement has been alerted, and affected customers will be notified.
About 10 million people currently have private coverage under President Barack Obama’s health care law, which President Donald Trump failed to repeal.
