Number: RL31634
Title: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996: Overview and Guidance on Frequently Asked Questions
Authors: Hinda R. Chaikind, Jean Hearne, Bob Lyke, and Stephen Redhead, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (P.L. 104-191) continues to generate numerous questions. What kinds of policies does it cover? Does it help people who are currently uninsured? Does it help people with preexisting medical conditions? How does it affect health insurance premiums? How do its requirements interact with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage? Answers to those questions, as well as other commonly asked questions, are provided, as well as descriptions of each of the major section of HIPAA.
Pages: 32
Date: January 24, 2005