A federal law that provides rights and protections for employees and their covered dependents in group health plans that limit exclusions for pre-existing conditions; prohibit discrimination against employees and dependents based on their health status; creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge; and allow a special opportunity to enroll in a new plan to individuals in certain circumstances. HIPAA may also allow individuals to purchase individual coverage if no group health plan coverage is available or have exhausted COBRA or other continuation coverage.
