Introduction to HIPAA - For Employers

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (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 provisions are imposed upon group health plans and issuers. Eligibility for an individual's enrollment in a group health plan is determined according to the terms of the health plan and the rules of the issuer, but not according to an individual's health status or that of an individual's dependent. These rules and terms must comply with all applicable State laws.

This section discusses the HIPAA insurance portabilityrequirements. For information on the new HIPAA PrivacyRegulations, see the HIPAA Privacy section and the National Standards to Protect the Privacy of Personal Health Information.

• What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule do?
• Why is the HIPAA Privacy Rule needed?
• Who must comply with HIPAA privacy standards?
• What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule require the average provider or health plan to do?

Additional Information...