A data breach in the Minnesota Department of Human Services has compromised the personal information of nearly 304,000 individuals. While the state has found no evidence of misuse, it is urging those affected to monitor their health care statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. The breach occurred when a user, affiliated with a licensed health care provider, accessed sensitive data in the MnCHOICES system without proper authorization over a month-long period starting in late August. The accessed information includes names, dates of birth, phone numbers, addresses, Medicaid IDs, and the last four digits of social security numbers, along with additional demographic details for 1,206 people. The state’s notification to affected individuals came about four months after the breach was detected, raising concerns about the delay. The breach was discovered by FEI Systems, which manages the MnCHOICES system, in mid-November. They reported unusual activity, prompting the state to initiate a forensic investigation before notifying those impacted. The individual involved had limited access to the system but exceeded what was necessary for their work tasks. Since the incident, the Department of Human Services has implemented new safeguards and reported the breach to relevant authorities, including the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.