What Is the Federal HIPAA Law?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

Origin and Purpose

Congress passed HIPAA to enhance the portability and continuity of health insurance coverage, as well as to simplify health care administration, improve access, promote the use of medical savings accounts and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office for Civil Rights enforces the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which protects confidential medical information.

HIPAA Security Rule

The Office of Civil Rights also enforces the HIPAA Security rule, which concerns the protection of identifiable medical information inside electronic databases.

Preexisting Conditions

According to the Department of Labor, HIPAA limits the ability of a new employer-sponsored health insurance plan to deny coverage on the basis of preexisting medical conditions.

Changing Health Insurance

HIPAA also provides some protections for employees and their families when they change their health insurance coverage by prohibiting group health plans from denying coverage based on poor health. It also guarantees health insurance renewal, in most cases, regardless of current health conditions and the right to purchase coverage.

References

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Dept. of Health and Human Services
• Health Information Privacy, Dept. of Health and Human Services
• FAQs About the Portability of Health Coverage and HIPAA, Dept. of Labor

Resources

• What HIPAA Does and Does Not Do, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services