Reply #36: Here's the link on how to make a HIPAA complaint... and a question [View All]

[mojowork_n]

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacyhowtofile.htm

The acronym stands for the "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act", I think, but the operative word is supposed to be "privacy". As in the insurance company's **right hand** is not supposed to let anyone know that the **left hand** has been writing checks, to cover your bills.

But I have no idea how the hell anyone is supposed to enforce that, since all the insurance company has to do is look "shocked, ...shocked..." and deny everything, and then what are you supposed to do?

Here's the basic information page:

http://www.hhs.gov/policies/index.shtml#hippa

I have a friend who went through 3 jobs after she had surgery and treatment for breast cancer. The original employer let her go, then she got three jobs in quick succession with three new employers. All three of those jobs ended as soon as the enrollment period for health coverage started. Not one of the 3 employers told her anything about the real reasons why she was being let go. They all acted very embarassed and ashamed, and made up b.s. reasons, but the bottom line was it took her almost a year to find an employer whose health plan would take her.

I have one question.... I think it would be helpful if there was a consumer information line on some of these outfits doing collections, and what exactly they can and can't get away with doing. Does anyone know of one?