HHS, Navigators Will Ensure Privacy Under PPACA, Sebelius Says

HHS and health insurance marketplace navigators — trained professionals who will help consumers learn about and apply for coverage — will protect privacy and prevent fraud when the new exchanges open for business, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told USA TODAY.

Republican leaders have raised concerns about potential endangerment of personal information through the exchanges. Earlier this month, Senate Finance Committee ranking member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to assess the security of the data hub that will be used to process applications for health insurance and determine eligibility for tax credits to cover the cost of premiums.

House Ways and Means Committee chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) also said at a hearing earlier this month he isn't confident in the Internal Revenue Service's ability to prevent fraud or protect confidential taxpayer information.

The Medicare program's operation shows the federal government can successfully guard patient privacy, Secretary Sebelius told USA TODAY.

More Articles on Health Insurance Exchanges:
CMS Releases Plans for Information Sharing to Determine Insurance Coverage Eligibility
Sen. Orrin Hatch Requests PPACA Data Hub Evaluation
IRS Finalizes Rule for Taxpayer Information Sharing