What is the Health Insurance Portability& Accountability Act of 1996?

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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that was passed to give employees better access to health care, reduce fraud and lower health care costs.

Function

HIPAA protects certain employee rights regarding health insurance coverage. It also gives the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to standardize the electronic transmission of medical billing and claims information and protect the security and privacy of health care information.

Features

HIPAA prohibits employer-sponsored group health plans from certain practices, such as discrimination based on health factors and the denial of coverage because of preexisting conditions. It also guarantees access to health insurance coverage for certain individuals and provides opportunities for enrolling in a group health plan for those who lose coverage.

Significance

HIPAA makes it easier for employees to change jobs without worrying about losing health care coverage because of a preexisting condition or other form of discrimination.

Considerations

HIPAA does not require that employers offer employees health insurance and does not guarantee a specific type of coverage.

Warning

If you have had treatment for a preexisting condition in the six months before your application, that condition may be excluded from your health coverage for a specific amount of time, typically 12 to 18 months.

Source:

Department of Labor: Frequently Asked Questions About HIPAA

HIPAAps.com: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

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What is the Health Insurance Portability& Accountability Act of 1996?

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