Question
What is the name of your state? oh
My company changed our dental insurance and we were told that it was equal to or better than what we had. I recently found out that this is actually a "self insured" plan and our owner/boss actually reviews the claims and signs the checks. Is this a hippa violation?
Answer
What is the name of your state? oh
My company changed our dental insurance and we were told that it was equal to or better than what we had. I recently found out that this is actually a "self insured" plan and our owner/boss actually reviews the claims and signs the checks. Is this a hippa violation?
No, insurers are allowed access to some information upon which to pay the claims, but it does sound a bit strange, does the same apply to your other health coverage and are your claims being paid?
Answer
It's HIPAA, not HIPPA.
This is not a HIPAA violation and it's not even strange. Many, many, many companies have self insured plans for both health and dental. It's quite a common practice.
Answer
According to Hipaa, health information can always be disclosed for the purposes of 1. Treating a patient(so your doctor can discuss your case with other doctors in order to help treat you) and 2. Paying a bill.
So if your employer is actually paying the bill, then your health information can be disclosed to him.
Most companies, however, have some safeguards in place for this information. I worked for health insurance companies for 7 years and there was always a special dedicated unit within the company where employee's claims got processed. This unit was the only one who could access the employees' files and information; there was no way your co-worker could look up the last time you went to the doctor just because you're all in the same computer system. So it IS a bit strange that a direct supervisor is reviewing your claims, even in the case of self-insurance there is a company that administers the benefits to maintain privacy. BUT, if he's paying your bills then it's legal for him to see your info.