Bill Seeks Privacy Protections for Covered California Consumers
The California Legislature is considering a bill (SB 514) that would alter Covered California's policy for sharing consumers' personal information, State of Reform reports.
Under current policy, the state exchange can share enrollee information with third-party contractors without first receiving permission from individuals. Such information often is sent to insurance agents and enrollment counselors.
Details of SB 514
SB 514, by state Sen. Joel Anderson (R-San Marcos), aims to close the "loophole" under the exchange's current policy by requiring Covered California to determine whether consumers actually want assistance from agents or counselors.
The exchange would be barred from sharing with third parties information about individuals who decline assistance.
In a statement, Anderson said, "This bill is a bipartisan effort to close [this] loophole so that consumers may shop free from fear of losing their privacy to unknown, outside entities."
There will be a public hearing on the measure, which has been sent to the state Senate Health Committee, on June 10 (Brumbach, State of Reform, 5/27).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.