How to Find Information About Portability of Health Insurance
- 1). Read the portability notice sent by your health plan when you lose your health insurance. The notice will show your health insurance coverage start and end dates, group plan information and health plan contact information. The notice will also contain information about your HIPAA portability rights.
- 2). Call your previous health insurance company if you haven't received a certificate of creditable coverage after you lose coverage. The company will issue it to you and answer any questions about portability of your coverage. You can request a certificate for up to two years after you lose your insurance.
- 3). Ask your human resources department about health insurance portability upon losing your job and health insurance. The benefits representative at your company can explain how HIPAA applies to you and help get your certificate of creditable coverage if you have not already received it. For individual health plans, ask your insurance agent about portability of your current plan.
- 4). Review information about the HIPAA act including information on certificates for creditable coverage and COBRA provisions on the U.S. Department of Labor's website. You will find a fact sheet and detailed information about how HIPAA allows for portability of health insurance. You can also call the DOL at 866-444-3272 for additional help.
- 5). Review information about HIPAA rights on the websites of your old insurance company and any new insurers from which you may obtain coverage. Health plans will have member information about HIPAA including health insurance portability.
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