Retiree Health & Welfare Plan – Privacy Practices
Private Health Information
A portion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) addressed the protection of confidential health information. It applies to all health benefit plans. In short, the idea is to make sure the confidential health information that identifies (or could be used to identify) you is kept completely confidential. This individually identifiable health information is known as “protected health information” (PHI), and it will not be used or disclosed without your written authorization, except as described in the HIPAA Privacy Notice or as otherwise permitted by federal and state health information privacy laws.
The HIPAA Privacy Notice is available by request from the insurance company that provides your medical coverage. It spells out what the plans are required by law to do and how the plans will comply, as well as provides an explanation of your rights regarding your own health information. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact the Trust Fund Office at (800) 635-3105.
