December 11, 2012
Protected Health Information (PHI)
HHS Provides Guidance on Methods for De-identifying PHI
On Nov. 26, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released technical guidance and a related
webpage regarding methods for de-identification of protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the HIPAA
Privacy Rule. HHS identified the Expert Determination Method and Safe Harbor Method as the two available
methods for satisfying the Privacy Rule’s de-identification standard.
HHS’ guidance explains both de-identification methods and provides information in a question and answer (Q&A)
format to help covered entities, such as health plans, understand the available options for performing deidentification.
Read More, click here . . . Ronstadt Insurance – HHS Provides Guidance on Methods for De identifying PHI
December 5, 2012
BY: KATHLEEN KOSTER
As health savings account account balances grow and become sizable assets for employees, they become a powerful – and increasingly necessary – financial planning tool.
For example, a 65-year-old married couple who retired in 2011 with median prescription drug expenses would need $287,000 to have a 90% chance of covering all medical costs after retirement, according to an Employee Benefit Research Institute study.
Retirement expert Kimberly Sexton believes an employee can fund that number by saving via a health savings account.
By saving $5,000 a year in an HSA at a modest 5% rate of return for 25 years before retiring, an employee will have more than the recommended $250,000 to cover retirement medical expenses.
“Health savings account contributions go in tax-free, grow tax-free and come out tax-free,” Sexton explained to benefits managers at EBN’s 2012 Benefits Forum & Expo.
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