The GHC-SCW settlement is a $3.5 million class action deal resolving claims from the January 2024 ransomware attack on Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, which exposed personal and medical information belonging to roughly 533,809 people. Eligible class members could choose reimbursement for documented losses up to $5,000, an alternative cash payment estimated at around $100, or three years of medical data monitoring. The claim deadline was January 20, 2026, and the Dane County Circuit Court held the final approval hearing on February 4, 2026.1GHC-SCW Settlement. Documents
What the Settlement Covers
The case, Pearson, et al. v. Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (Case No. 2024-CV-001077), stems from a ransomware intrusion detected on January 25, 2024. Attackers failed to encrypt GHC-SCW’s systems but copied data before being locked out, a fact the cooperative confirmed on February 9, 2024, after a forensic investigation.2HIPAA Journal. Group Health Cooperative South Central Wisconsin Ransomware The stolen information included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth or death, Social Security numbers, member numbers, and Medicare or Medicaid numbers.3PR Newswire. Notice of Cybersecurity Incident at GHC-SCW Involving Personal Health Information
The settlement class includes all U.S. residents who received a notice about the breach or whose personal information may have been affected. Directors, officers, and agents of GHC-SCW, government entities, and the presiding judge and court staff are excluded.4GHC-SCW Settlement. Frequently Asked Questions
What Class Members Can Receive
Class members who filed a valid claim by the January 20, 2026 deadline could select one of three benefits.
The first option is reimbursement of up to $5,000 for documented out-of-pocket losses tied to the breach, supported by receipts, phone records, or correspondence. Expenses already covered by another source are not eligible.5ClassAction.org. $3.5M Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin Settlement Ends Data Breach Lawsuit
The second is an alternative cash payment, estimated at roughly $100. It’s a pro rata share of the remaining fund, so the actual per-person amount depends on how many valid claims were filed.5ClassAction.org. $3.5M Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin Settlement Ends Data Breach Lawsuit
The third is three years of CyEx medical data monitoring. The service includes real-time single-bureau credit file monitoring, dark web scanning, security freeze assistance, $1 million in identity theft insurance with no deductible, and access to fraud resolution agents.4GHC-SCW Settlement. Frequently Asked Questions
The $3.5 million fund also covers notice and administration costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses, service awards for the named plaintiffs, and taxes. Class counsel, Barnow and Associates, P.C. and Kopelowitz Ostrow Ferguson Weiselberg Gilbert P.A., requested fees of up to $1,166,666.67 plus reasonable costs.6Claim Depot. GHC-SCW Settlement
Where the Case Stands Now
Judge Stephanie R. Hilton granted preliminary approval on September 22, 2025, and the final approval hearing took place as scheduled on February 4, 2026.7ClassAction.org. Pearson v. GHC-SCW Preliminary Approval Order The settlement website’s documents page lists an Order Granting Final Approval of Class Settlement Agreement, indicating the court approved the deal.1GHC-SCW Settlement. Documents One source places the formal date of the final approval order at February 9, 2026.6Claim Depot. GHC-SCW Settlement
Payments have not yet been distributed. Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, the settlement administrator, is processing claims and has moved into a payment election phase. Class members who submitted valid claims and received a payment election notification have until June 3, 2026, to choose how they want to be paid. Anyone who does not submit a payment election form will receive a paper check at their last known address.4GHC-SCW Settlement. Frequently Asked Questions Some claimants who received deficiency notices must submit additional documentation by the deadline stated on their notice, or their claim can be denied.
Under the settlement terms, payments are expected to be issued about 75 days after final approval, provided no appeals are filed.6Claim Depot. GHC-SCW Settlement
Key Deadlines
- January 5, 2026 — Deadline to opt out or file objections.
- January 20, 2026 — Claim filing deadline (online or by mail).
- February 4, 2026 — Final approval hearing at 9:00 a.m. CT.
- June 3, 2026 — Payment election deadline for claimants who received an election notice.
The claim, opt-out, and objection windows are closed. If you did not file a claim, you can no longer submit one, but you also gave up nothing if you took no action and were not part of an opt-out or objection.
How to Reach the Administrator
Class members with questions about the status of a claim, a deficiency notice, or a payment election can contact Kroll Settlement Administration at (833) 630-8408 or through the contact form on the official settlement website at ghcscwsettlement.com.8GHC-SCW Settlement. GHC-SCW Settlement Home