I have my own individual Blue Cross medical ins policy. Do any HIPPA rules apply to me ?

[Moe Howard]

I am unemployed. I have never been employed. I live off of inheritance funds. I have my own individual medical insurance policy. I am 35 years old. I personally pay my medical insurance premiums each month. In other words, my coverage is not through an employer sponsored group plan.

I realize that I have no rights under ERISA. But do I have any rights under HIPPA ?

I realize that my medical providers and insurance company must obey the HIPPA confidentially rules regarding how my private medical records are handled. But what about stuff like the HIPPA "no more than one-year waiting period for preexisting condition" and "new born & maturinity rules" ? ...... even though I am not a participant in a group medical plan, don't these kind of HIPPA rules apply to my insurance coverage also ?

[Guest Cgross]

Since you have an individual policy, it is most likely regulated by the State

Department of Insurance where you live. There were restrictions imposed by HIPAA for the individual market, but some states imposed stricter requirements which would apply. I suggest you access your state's DOI website or contact them if you have questions about your policy.

[Steve72]

Cgross is correct that state laws may apply. The HIPAA rules you cite....portability, pre-ex limitation, etc. are NOT applicable to non-group insurance.