The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has disclosed a data breach affecting at least 61,000 individuals, whose protected health information and personal identifying details were improperly accessed by agency employees. The breach, discovered on November 21, 2024, involved unauthorized access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, Medicaid and Medicare identification numbers, financial and health information, and other personal details. The unauthorized access occurred between June 2021 and December 2024. Seven employees were terminated for their involvement, and the case has been referred to the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for investigation and potential criminal charges. HHSC is notifying affected individuals by mail and offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection. Affected individuals, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, are advised to review their financial and health accounts, including Lone Star Card transactions, for suspicious activity and report any discrepancies. Notifications will be sent by January 20, 2025. The agency has also implemented enhanced security measures to prevent future breaches. The breach highlights internal vulnerabilities within HHSC, which is seeking $300 million in funding to upgrade its computer systems.