Insurance forms questions: Is this a Privacy Violation?

[Jaybird180]

I decided to shop around to see if I could get a better rate on my life insurance. As it turns out, the broker I spoke with couldn't do better on my policy, but was able to save a few dollars on my wife's policy. I reflected on the process involved and think it's possible that I may have violated someone elses right to privacy...in the name of saving a few bucks.

The broker asked about my parents health issues. I had to answer affirmatively for a question for my mother and affirmatively for a question for my father. Both are still alive. The answers are likely the reason my new policy just barely missed the mark on saving some money.

Did I inadvertently violate my parents' right to the privacy of their medical information?

NOTE: just because these are common questions for the insurance industry, doesn't make it right.

 

[airguy]

Did you give identifying information for them? Or just family medical type information?

If it's along the lines of "My dad had a heart attack when he was 60" then no, that's not an invasion of privacy, that's just family medical history for context. If it's something like "My dad, whose name is XXXX, birthdate YYY, social security number ZZZ, had a heart attack at 60", then yes it is.

 

[Jaybird180]

Age at time of incident, DOB and name was asked and given.

 

[poadeleted20]

Since you are not your Dad's health care provider, you didn't violate HIPPA. OTOH, your insurance company must protect that information from others.

 

[Doggtyred]

There is no need to know for them to ask your parent's name and DOB. You can decline to provide it.

I dont advocate it, but if they are being dicks about it, say you are adopted and dont know. I guess that would be fraud in some folks eyes...

 

[poadeleted20]

There is no need to know for them to ask your parent's name and DOB. You can decline to provide it.

...and they can decline to write the policy (or charge more for accepting the greater risk inherent in the resulting uncertainty).

I dont advocate it, but if they are being dicks about it, say you are adopted and dont know. I guess that would be fraud in some folks eyes...

I believe it would be considered that by the underwriter, especially if you knew your biological parents had some medical condition which increases your risk and you were concealing with the result of lowering your rates.

 

[Sac Arrow]

You have the right to decline to state and they have the right to decline coverage.

Doesn't seem unfair to me.

 

[nddons]

Don't worry, just put their information on Healthcare.gov. It will be completely safe.

 

[flyingron]

Since you are not your Dad's health care provider, you didn't violate HIPPA. OTOH, your insurance company must protect that information from others.

HIPAA, Ron, HIPAA. His life insurance company isn't likely a covered entity either. Only people involved with electronic billing of medical (health care providers, insurers, clearinghouses), essentially, are obliged to follow HIPAA.

 

[denverpilot]

HIPAA, Ron, HIPAA. His life insurance company isn't likely a covered entity either. Only people involved with electronic billing of medical (health care providers, insurers, clearinghouses), essentially, are obliged to follow HIPAA.

They technically don't have to be involved in billing at all. Even just records storage. Ask McKesson.

 

[flyingron]

They technically don't have to be involved in billing at all. Even just records storage. Ask McKesson.

Correct, the essential part is electronic. While the act was established because of the provider->clearinghouse->insurer transfer of billing information, it really doesn't make the distinction.

 

[Rigged4Flight]

...and they can decline to write the policy (or charge more for accepting the greater risk inherent in the resulting uncertainty).

Not saying you're wrong, but what would his parents names and dates of birth have to do with his insurability? As long as he answers the questions about family medical history, I would think he's good to go.

 

[poadeleted20]

Not saying you're wrong, but what would his parents names and dates of birth have to do with his insurability? As long as he answers the questions about family medical history, I would think he's good to go.

You'll have to ask the insurer why they want it, but insurers rarely do anything without a good profit/loss/risk management reason.

 

[silver-eagle]

How about "I'm sorry but I really do not know much about my parents health." And in my case, that would be true as they are no longer with me to answer any questions and I would not feel comfortable passing on hearsay from any of my siblings.
Let the insurance company do what they need with that.