Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Act of 1996: Guidance on Frequently Asked Questions

Publication Date: June 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (P.L. 104-191), guarantees the availability and renewability of health insurance coverage for certain individuals. It permits a limited number of small businesses and self-employed individuals to establish tax-favored medical savings accounts (MSAs), increases the tax deduction for health insurance for the self-employed, and amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat private long-term care policies the way health insurance policies and health care expenses are currently treated. This report provides guidance on the most frequently asked questions about the insurance provisions of HIPAA in a question and answer format. It is updated periodically to reflect regulations and other information. For further information, see Health Insurance: Reforming the Private Market, CRS Report 95-877; Medical Savings Accounts: Legislation in the 105th Congress, CRS Report 97-643; and Long Term Care for the Elderly, CRS Issue Brief 95039.