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HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 )

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides rights and protections for participants and beneficiaries in group health plans. HIPAA includes protections for coverage under group health plans that limit exclusions for preexisting conditions; prohibit discrimination against employees and dependents based on their health status; and allow a special opportunity to enroll in a new plan to individuals in certain circumstances. HIPAA may also give you a right to purchase individual coverage if you have no group health plan coverage available, and have exhausted COBRA or other continuation coverage.

Requirements for health privacy and portability of coverage for the employees are the primary premises of HIPAA. Sweeping changes in the HIPAA law continue to be a driving force for compliance by employers and health care organizations.

Employers need to be aware of the privacy laws under HIPAA for Protected Health Information (PHI) and the federal requirements on releasing, storing, and transmitting PHI.

This link to US Department of Health and Human Services has more information about HIPAA and its requirements. It also has many employer services to assist with questions. Go to: http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/portability.htm

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/

If you have questions about HIPAA compliance, contact Roger Hicks and Associates Group Insurance, Inc.

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