Health Insurance

Recently Answered

• QWhat is covered under health insurance if I have diabetes?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Since all insurance plans are different, this is a difficult question to answer. However, Medicare and most insurance plans cover diabetes testing for people suspected of having diabetes. People at risk for diabetes are also at risk for pre-diabetes. Since the test is the same and the risk factors are the same for both conditions, a prediabetes test may be covered. It is best to consult your physician and health insurance representative with specific coverage questions.

  If your health insurance covers durable medical equipment, it may pay for a blood glucose meter, a finger-stick device, pens, pen needles, syringes, a pump, infusion sets, a continuous glucose monitor and/or an insulin injector. Some insurance plans may cover some or all of these supplies under the prescription drug benefit. As there may be differences in copayment or coinsurance depending on how your diabetes supplies are covered, be sure to check your insurance policy for clarification.

• QWhat health information is protected by HIPAA?

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  A Sharecare answered

  Information contained in your doctors' files (paper or electronic) is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). But that’s not the only thing that must be kept private. Conversations between your doctor and other medical professionals, information in your health insurer's computer system, billing information and most other medical information is also covered by federal privacy laws.

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• QHow is my health information protected by HIPAA?

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  A ONC Consumer eHealth & Blue Button answered

  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) privacy protections apply to your "individually identifiable health information." This information can include:

  • Information your doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers put in your medical record
  • Conversations your doctor has about your care or treatment with nurses and others
  • Information about you in your health insurer's computer system
  • Billing information about you at your clinic
  • Information used by companies or individuals that provide data, billing or other services to doctors, hospitals, health insurers and other healthcare organizations. This includes computer and data services providers, accountants and other professional services firms.

  When this information is held by an individual or organization that must follow HIPAA, it is called "protected health information."

  The HIPAA Security Rule protections apply to electronic protected health information.

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• QWill I be told if unauthorized people see my health information?

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  A Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT answered

  The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule requires most doctors, hospitals, other health care providers and health insurance companies to notify you of a "breach" if unsecured information about you is seen by someone who is not supposed to see it. This Federal law also requires health care providers and insurance companies to promptly notify the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if there is any breach of unsecured protected health information and notify the media and public if the breach affects more than 500 people.

  This requirement helps patients know if unsecured protected health information has been breached and helps keep providers accountable for the protection of your health information. Health information that has been encrypted so that people cannot read it is considered to be secure. Health care providers do not have to report if someone who is not authorized attempts to access encrypted information.

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• QCan I revoke my authorization to share my health information?

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  A Sharecare answered

  You can revoke authorization to share your health information at any time. You, or someone representing you, must make the request in writing. Be sure to sign and date the request.

  If you have agreed to share your health information for research purposes, you can cancel your authorization in writing by following the instructions on the authorization form. After the research study team receives your cancellation, they can't use your personal health information except in certain circumstances. For example, they may need to report when you cancelled your authorization, or share information to ensure that the research study is still reliable.

• QHow does my doctor keep my electronic health records private?

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  A Sharecare answered

  Your doctor designates a privacy official who is responsible for making sure your medical records are kept private. In a small office, this may be the office manager. Large facilities have full-time privacy officials.

  The Privacy Rule also requires your health care provider to inform you of your privacy rights. Clear privacy rules and procedures must be put into place, and employees must be trained in how to follow them. These procedures include passwords and other steps for securing your records against unauthorized use.

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• QHow secure are my online personal health records?

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  A Sharecare answered

  Your online personal health records (PHR) are as secure as you make them. You decide who can see your records by creating permissions and secure passwords for your records.

  Another key way to safeguard your PHR has to do with where you store it. First and foremost, make sure that the web site maintaining your records is a secure one. If you use a PHR from your health plan or health care provider, they must tell you how they keep your information safe and private.

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• QWho can view my health information?

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  A Sharecare answered

  Health care providers can see your health information as necessary to make sure you’re getting the right treatment and medications. If someone such as a partner or relative is authorized to take care of you, your caregiver can see your health records.

  Under certain circumstances, law enforcement agencies can also view your medical files when they believe you are a suspect or victim of a crime. They can view limited information from your doctor, pharmacy, insurance company or other related organizations. Other government agencies may request your health records to verify Medicare and other claims. Certain government agencies or private researchers may also access your files for compiling health data, such as reporting diseases. While your name may be viewed, these agencies or researchers are barred from making it public.