COBRA

What is HIPAA

During the summer of 1996, Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.  This legislation made it easier for people with existing health insurance to change jobs, and still maintain health insurance coverage.  The legislation does nothing to cover those who are currently uninsured, nor does it address the cost of individually owned health policies.
Title II, Subtitle F of HIPAA governs "Administrative Simplification." The Administrative Simplification Rules are intended to create a uniform system for processing, retaining, and securing health care information by encouraging the use of electronic technology, mandating standardization of health-related transactions, and ensuring the security and privacy of health information. Among other points the Act:

• Restricts exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Requires special open enrollment periods.
• Prohibits plans from dropping or denying coverage for employees with medical conditions.
• Guarantees the availability of health insurance to small employers & individuals losing group health coverage, and guarantees renewability for all groups.

For additional detailed information about HIPAA, click here: (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HIPAAGenInfo)