Expert: Stephen A. Kujolic - 6/19/2003

Question
My company is changing our health insurance provider.
Should I have to answer all the questions about my families
past and present medical conditions. What prescriptions          
we are taking etc. I can e-mail you the application form my company wants us to fill out if you like, can you please tell
me if this is perfectly legal or not? Isn't some of this
privileged information?  

Answer
Dear Richard,
If the insurance company requires the questionaire to be completed then you have to.
Here in California the medical information for small groups is used for rating purposes only and not to exclude someone or something.
Besides, the Federal and state goverments have so many confidentiality laws now that your information is very protected.
In fact, just this year a law was passed that even your broker can not get or discuss your medical information without a singed authorization from the you.
If I can be of any further help please do not hesitate to contact me.
Steve