What You Need to Know About HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) helps protect your personal medical records.
When you visit your doctor or another health provider, you're reminded that your health information will remain private. The information will only be used to make sure you get the care you need.
More About the Law
If you are covered by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico health plan through your employer, an individual plan or Medicare, you should receive a . BCBSNM is required by federal and state law to give a Privacy Practices Notice to plan members.
Este aviso explica cómo BCBSNM puede usar y compartir la información médica y financiera de un asegurado. It's different than the website Privacy Statement. Your medical records are also known as Protected Health Information (PHI).
Things to Consider
HIPAA also applies to your family members. Por ejemplo:
- Adult children who attend college: If your child is 18 or older, you will likely need to complete an authorization form to access their health information.
- Elderly loved ones: For those with medical conditions affecting their memory, you’ll need authorization or a power of attorney to help with important health care decisions.
- A seriously ill spouse: Be sure to complete the necessary forms to make decisions if your spouse isn’t able to.
To find information to help you with these, visit BCBSNM’s Aviso y formularios de prácticas de privacidad de la página.