Essen Medical Associates Settlement: 904,672 Patients, Claims Closed
One of the larger healthcare breach settlements of the year — a $4 million fund for nearly a million people. The claim window closed on 1 June 2026, and the fairness hearing followed on 7 July.
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Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
What the Case Was About
Essen Medical Associates, P.C., a New York healthcare provider, discovered suspicious activity on 17 March 2023 and determined that a breach occurred between 14 and 22 March 2023. It ultimately affected 904,672 individuals. The exposed data included names, driver's license numbers and other identification (including passport information), financial information, Social Security numbers, and medical insurance and treatment information. Several class actions were consolidated as Rivera, et al. v. Essen Medical Associates, P.C. in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Bronx, asserting negligence, breach of implied contract, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and violation of the New York Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Case Details
Essen agreed to establish a $4 million settlement fund, which also covers attorney's fees and expenses and service awards for the class representatives. Timely claimants could seek documented unreimbursed losses up to $5,000 per class member, and a cash payment of up to $100. Objections and exclusions were due 4 May 2026, claims 1 June 2026, and the final fairness hearing was scheduled for 7 July 2026. Official site: ehcsettlement.com.
Status as of 24 August 2026
If You Missed the Deadline
The 1 June 2026 deadline has passed and late claims are not accepted. Given what was exposed here — Social Security numbers, passport data, financial and medical information — the protective steps still matter: credit freezes at all three bureaus, attention to explanation-of-benefits statements for treatment you did not receive, and awareness that this data has been circulating since March 2023. Keep your notification letter.
What Filed Claimants Should Expect
The Case, Step by Step
- 1
14–22 March 2023 — the breach
An unauthorized party accesses Essen Medical systems; suspicious activity is noticed on 17 March 2023.
- 2
Notification and litigation
904,672 individuals are notified. Several class actions follow and are consolidated as Rivera v. Essen Medical Associates in Bronx County, New York.
- 3
4 May 2026 — objection and exclusion deadline
The last day for class members to object to the settlement or exclude themselves from it.
- 4
1 June 2026 — claims close
The claim filing deadline passes; late submissions are not accepted.
- 5
7 July 2026 — final fairness hearing
The court considers whether to grant final approval of the $4 million settlement.
Three Things to Ignore
A closed claim window with payments still pending is standard territory for impostors.
“File your Essen Medical claim now”
The deadline was 1 June 2026 and late claims are not accepted. Any page inviting a claim today describes a process that no longer exists.
A fee to release or track your payment
Court-appointed administrators never charge class members to check a claim or receive payment. Every such request is fraud.
Calls asking you to confirm bank details
The stolen data is what makes these calls sound credible. Administrators communicate through the official settlement website and mail, not unsolicited calls.
Common Questions
Can I still file a claim?
No. The deadline was 1 June 2026 and late claims are not accepted.
What did the settlement pay?
Up to $100 in cash, and up to $5,000 for documented, unreimbursed losses traceable to the breach.
Why is the cash payment small for such a large breach?
Because $4 million divided among 904,672 class members leaves little per person after fees and administration. Fund size and per-person payment are different things — class size is what determines your share.
What data was exposed?
Names, driver's license numbers and other identification including passport information, financial information, Social Security numbers, and medical insurance and treatment information.
When will payments arrive?
After the 7 July 2026 fairness hearing results in final approval and any appeals resolve — realistically late 2026 into 2027.
Did Essen admit fault?
No. The settlement resolves the consolidated claims without an admission of wrongdoing.
How do I verify this page?
Through ehcsettlement.com and the Bronx County docket for Rivera v. Essen Medical Associates. Details reflect what we could confirm as of 24 August 2026.
Separate from this case: were you injured in the last 2 years?
Class-action payouts are fixed amounts through an administrator. A personal injury claim is a different case — and often worth far more. Free estimate, no obligation.