Health Reform and the Preservation of Confidential Health Care for Young Adults

Abstract

A major issue facing the health of both minors and young adults in the United States is the often unintentional lack of confidentiality maintained in the provision of sensitive health services. Studies have shown that access to confidential care is crucial for minors seeking preventive care and treatment for sensitive services. Evidence demonstrates that many minors will not seek health care if confidentiality cannot be ensured, which can have significant negative health implications; this finding can be extended to young adults covered under their parents health plans. Young adults, not just minors, also often forgo important sensitive services when they face a breach of confidentiality, which most likely occurs when their parents have access to the adult child's health information.Currently, private insurance companies generally send the policyholder an explanation of benefits (EOB) whenever a service is provided under a plan. EOBs generally include information identifying the patient, provider, type of care received, total charge for services, amount paid by the insurance company, and any financial obligation of the policyholder.