Government Accidentally Leaves Alabama State Retirees at Risk of ID Theft

A flawed website for the Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan publicly displayed the personal information of plan members.

A Mobile, Ala. woman who was helping her parents with their insurance coverage saw names, dependent's names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of other members on the site.

Amanda Murdick called a Teachers Retirement System counselor, who told her that the website was undergoing maintenance and that the agency was aware of problems. The counselor told Murdick she would report her concerns to the IT department.

By July 11, the problem was fixed, according to Murdick.

Leura Canary, general counsel for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, said the agency still is trying to find out exactly what happened.