The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) and what its means to you.

I’m sure at one time or another as either a business owner or an individual you’ve heard the phrase HIPAA. Most people aren’t sure what it stands for or even what it means.

Well I’m here to tell you.

HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act. It governs how personal information is handled and protects your ability to acquire and retain your medical insurance.

What HIPAA does:

• HIPAA protects your personal information with a few exceptions (Hospitals, Doctors, Insurance Companies) so you can receive care.
• Limits pre-existing conditions to help you obtain new coverage and have claims paid for
• HIPAA does not allow employers to charge extra premiums based on prior health conditions or family hist
• It also guarantees that most individuals and small businesses can renew there coverage regardless of claims or history of insured’s within the plan.

What HIPAA Does NOT do:

• HIPAA does NOT require employers to offer or pay for health coverage for employees or family coverage for their spouses and dependents;
• HIPAA does NOT guarantee health coverage for all workers;
• HIPAA does NOT control the amount an insurer may charge for coverage;
• HIPAA does NOT require group and individual (non-employment based) health plans to offer specific benefits;
• HIPAA does NOT permit people to keep the same health coverage they had in their old job when they move to a new job;
• HIPAA does NOT eliminate all use of pre-existing condition exclusions; and
• HIPAA does NOT replace the State as the primary regulator of health insurance.

For more information about HIPPA http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/.

I wanted to give a brief overview so you can better understand what HIPAA does and does not do. It was enacted in 1996 to make medical coverage more accessible while protecting the information of businesses and individuals.

If you have any questions you can reach me at (631) 338-9917.