MNsure data security breach prompts new bill

A data security breach at the state's new online insurance marketplace has prompted two members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation to write a bill designed to prevent confidential information from being leaked again.

Starting Oct. 1, uninsured Minnesotans will be using MNsure to purchase health insurance, and they'll have to provide information about themselves in the process.

After a MNsure employee mistakenly leaked the personal information of 2,400 insurance brokers earlier this month, Republican U.S. Reps. Erik Paulsen and John Kline said they're worried about MNsure's ability to keep consumer information private.

Their bill would require the federal Health and Human Services Department to certify that insurance exchanges like MNsure have robust data security measures in place.

The requirement would be on top of the numerous state and federal privacy rules MNsure already has to follow.

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