Policyholder Questions and Answers About the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA

Q. Why was I sent the Notice of Privacy Practices?

A. Government guidelines require us to send you a notice describing how we must protect any health information we have about you and the rights that you have regarding that information.

Bankers has always used strict standards to ensure the privacy and security of your personal health information.

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Q. Am I required to respond?

A. No action is required on your part. This notice is simply to inform you of the rights that you currently have.

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Q. What do the privacy requirements state?

A. They state how your health information is used and shared. They also state your rights under HIPAA.

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Q. How do you use my health information?

A. We use it to help pay your medical bills and to conduct routine business operations.

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Q. Who do you share my health information with?

A. Your information may be shared with your representatives, spouse, family members, friends and others involved in your care or in the payment of your claims. Also any employee benefit plan sponsors that you may be receiving other health benefits from.

Information is only shared after the request has been verified, based on guidance provided through the HIPAA regulations.

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Q. What are my rights under HIPAA?

• Access to your information
• Amendments to your Information
• Accounting for Disclosures of your Information
• Restrictions on Use and Disclosure of your Information
• Request for Confidential Communications
• Right to the paper copy of the notice
• How to file Complaints

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Q. What is HIPAA?

A. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is an important regulatory initiative that impacts organizations and companies involved in the business of healthcare. One aspect includes new requirements regarding the privacy of policyholder information.

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Q. How has Bankers previously protected my privacy?

A. Bankers has always protected your privacy by limiting and restricting the collection and sharing of your information.

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Back to Health Plan Notice of Privacy Practices