Hypertension Nephrology Associates Data Breach Settlement

**Hypertension Nephrology Associates Settles $625K Over 2024 Data Breach** Hypertension Nephrology Associates (HNA), a healthcare provider based in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, has agreed to a **$625,000 settlement** to resolve a class action lawsuit stemming from a **January 2024 data breach** that exposed patients’ private health information. The settlement, preliminarily approved by the court on **September 22**, covers approximately **39,491 individuals** across the U.S. who were notified their data was accessed, stolen, or compromised. The lawsuit alleged HNA failed to adequately protect patient data and delayed notifying affected individuals, with the complaint describing the response as an **"inexcusable delay"** and **"meager attempts"** to mitigate the breach’s impact. Under the settlement terms, class members may seek compensation in two ways: - **Documented loss payments** of up to **$5,000** for verified expenses (e.g., fraud-related costs, identity theft recovery) with supporting documentation. - **One-time cash payments**, the amount of which will depend on the remaining settlement funds after documented claims and credit monitoring services are paid. All class members are also entitled to **two years of free credit monitoring and insurance services**, regardless of whether they file a claim. Claim forms must be submitted **online or postmarked by January 20, 2026**, via the settlement website or mail. Final approval of the settlement will be decided at a **February 18, 2026**, court hearing, with payouts distributed afterward pending any appeals.