Bill > SB610

This bill provides enhanced confidentiality protections for enrolled dependents receiving health care services in Pennsylvania. Specifically, the bill requires health insurance policies and government programs to implement procedures that protect the privacy of health care information for certain dependent individuals, including adults and minors who are authorized to consent to medical services. The bill mandates that health insurers develop a standardized confidential communications request form allowing these protected enrolled dependents to choose alternative methods of receiving sensitive health-related communications, such as explanations of benefits, appointment information, claims details, and other protected health information. These alternative methods can include sending documents to an alternate address, using a different electronic communication method, or completely suppressing communications if the dependent has no financial liability for the service. The bill also requires health insurers to implement these confidential communication requests within three business days, and mandates that the Insurance Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health, develop an education plan to inform healthcare providers and consumers about these new privacy rights. Additionally, the bill establishes an appeals process for claim denials and provides detailed definitions of key terms like "health insurer," "protected enrolled dependent," and "protected health information." The legislation will take effect 60 days after its enactment and will apply to health insurance policies issued or renewed 180 days after the effective date.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=610