Your Digital Privacy: Are You Eligible for the Mount Sinai or BJC MyChart Settlements?

In an age where digital footprints are ubiquitous, the privacy of our health information remains paramount. Yet, two major healthcare providers, Mount Sinai Health System and BJC HealthCare, are at the center of class-action settlements totaling over $13 million, stemming from allegations that they may have improperly shared patient data through their MyChart portals.

If you've used either of these portals, you might be eligible for a share of these funds. It’s time to understand the details and protect your digital health privacy.

The core issue revolves around the use of 'tracking pixels' – tiny snippets of code from third-party advertising giants like Google and Meta (Facebook) – embedded within the MyChart patient portals.

These pixels are designed to track user activity, and the lawsuits allege that this activity, including IP addresses and pages visited, constituted 'protected health information' (PHI) that was shared without explicit patient consent. While no personally identifiable information (PII) like names or addresses was directly shared, the linking of online behavior to a specific user's health portal activity raised significant privacy concerns.

Mount Sinai Health System Settlement: What You Need to Know

Mount Sinai Health System has agreed to a $4.75 million settlement to resolve these allegations.

This fund is established to compensate individuals who utilized Mount Sinai's MyChart portal during a specific period. If you accessed the Mount Sinai MyChart portal between October 24, 2020, and August 10, 2023, you are likely eligible to file a claim. The deadline to submit your claim for the Mount Sinai settlement is July 31, 2024.

Don't miss this critical window to assert your rights.

BJC HealthCare Settlement: Claim Your Share

Similarly, BJC HealthCare has reached an $8.5 million settlement. This larger fund addresses claims from a broader timeframe. Individuals who used the BJC HealthCare MyChart portal between April 14, 2016, and March 30, 2023, are within the eligible class.

For BJC HealthCare users, the claim deadline is July 2, 2024. Mark your calendars and act swiftly to ensure your claim is processed.

Understanding What Data Was Shared

It’s important to clarify that these lawsuits do not allege the sharing of sensitive medical records or direct personal identifiers like your name and address.

Instead, the focus is on 'protected health information' (PHI) as defined by law, which includes data points like IP addresses, appointment requests, prescription refill pages, and other online interactions within the portal. When linked to a patient's usage, this activity can infer health-related interests, raising questions about patient consent and data integrity in the digital health space.

How to File Your Claim

If you believe you are eligible for either of these settlements, the first step is to visit the official settlement websites.

These sites will provide detailed instructions on how to file a claim, offer FAQs, and provide all necessary forms. You may have received an email or postal mail notification if your information was part of the affected class. It is crucial to review these notices carefully and follow the stipulated procedures.

Filing a claim is generally straightforward, but adherence to deadlines and accurate information is key.

What Happens Next?

Both settlements are currently awaiting final approval from the courts. Even after final approval, the distribution of funds typically takes some time. However, filing your claim before the deadline is essential, as eligibility will be determined based on these submissions.

These settlements serve as a vital reminder of the ongoing conversation around digital privacy, particularly in the sensitive realm of healthcare. They underscore the importance of understanding how our data is used and our rights to control it.

Don’t let your opportunity to claim compensation pass you by.

Investigate your eligibility today and ensure your voice is heard in the evolving landscape of digital patient privacy.