Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

It is crucially important that access to health care is protected for all Pennsylvanians. This includes for insured dependents who may wish to seek out services confidentially, keeping the nature of the services between themselves and the provider. All of us have had care that we may wish to keep private. Unfortunately, circumstances involving the unwanted disclosure of explanation of benefits (EOB) forms sent by insurers prevents many insured dependents – both adults and minors with consent to care alike – from seeking out vital health services due to fears that receiving such services may compromise their home life or even safety. At least 14 states have provisions to protect the confidentiality of medical information for individuals insured as dependents, and we believe Pennsylvania needs to do the same.
 
Therefore, we plan to introduce legislation that will allow insured dependents the opportunity to opt-in to privately receive confidential health information. This will enable those individuals to seek out care in ways that does not jeopardize their personal information and safety.
 
Please join us in supporting this important measure to improve the health of Commonwealth residents. The avoidance of unwanted disclosure should not, and cannot, be a reason for Pennsylvanians to not access critical health care.