HIPAA Archives - Tennessee Coalition for Open Government

Lawmakers cry foul over release of cost of health insurance

A state agency's release of the cost of lawmaker health insurance caused a commotion among several who tried to stop it, claiming violation of privacy laws. The information, requested by The Tennesseean using the Tennessee Public Records Act, showed that the state has spent $5.8 million since 2008 for health insurance premiums for state lawmakers, with lawmakers contributing $1.4 million toward their health plans. The Tennessean got a first look at the records, requested in February, on Wednesday. The records showed how much each individual lawmaker had paid for his or her health insurance in that time period and how much the state had picked up. State Rep. Glen Casada, R-Franklin [...]

HIPAA cited as reason to keep confidential lawmakers’ health insurance benefits

By Deborah Fisher|2015-02-23T10:05:38-06:00February 20, 2015|Categories: HIPAA|Tags: HIPAA, legislature|0 Comments

The erroneous idea that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) makes confidential the amount of money that governments in Tennessee pay to buy employee health insurance comes up occasionally, the latest after a controversial decision by a state legislative committee to reject the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal. The state of Tennessee is not alone in also paying for elected officials or lawmakers' health insurance benefits. Nashville Metro Council members get to be on the city's health care plan, and they and their families can keep the coverage for their entire life if they want. These benefits can be good deal for the recipient, and for some who have [...]