Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 14, 2023 02:46 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and Sen. Judith L. Schwank |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Protecting the Privacy of Insured Dependents |
| Protecting confidentiality in health care is vitally important to all Pennsylvanians. Disclosure of private information frequently occurs through explanation of benefits forms (EOBs) sent by health insurers to policyholders after a covered individual obtains care. This includes insured dependents, both adults and minors. Unfortunately, this disclosure of personal information may prevent the dependent from seeking out vital health care for fear that a parent or partner will find out. Sensitive subjects such as treatment for STDs, birth control, drug treatment, and mental health services may compromise their home life or even safety. We plan to reintroduce legislation that will allow insured dependents the opportunity to opt-in to privately receive confidential health information. This will enable those individuals to seek out care in ways that do not jeopardize their personal information and safety. This was introduced as Senate Bill 1116 in the 2021-22 session, which was a companion bill to House Bill 1654, introduced by Representatives Krajewski and Daley. At least 14 states have provisions to protect the confidentiality of medical information for individuals insured as dependents, and we believe Pennsylvania needs to do the same. Please join us in supporting this important measure to improve the health of Pennsylvanians. |
Introduced as SB638