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Insurance and Confidentiality (Will my parents find out if I get birth control on their insurance?)
I just recently began taking birth control because I am becoming sexually active and want to be responsible about my choices. I am 18 years old and on insurance that my mom gets through her job. My doctor told me that because I am now a legal adult I do not need to tell my parents that I am sexually active or on the pill. I am not telling them but it occurred to me that because I am getting the pill through my parents insurance and not planned parenthood that they will probably find out. Does anyone know how this works? I know it will not say what the drug is on a statement but it will list that I am getting something and then the questions will start. How often do insurance companies send out information like this? I would have no problem telling my mom that I'm on the pill if I was in a committed relationship, but because I just have a casual thing I can't tell her. She would never approve of it and would probably never let me out of the house for the rest of the summer. Thank you for your advice!
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Want to answer more questions in the Sexual Health and Reproduction category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Birth Control Pills?
Yes, you can try to do what you've been adviced in previous post, or you can get pills anonymously, for example, online.
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Quick answer to your question is no.
First: you're 18 of legal age and able to care for your own medical needs. Your medical records are strictly confidential and under a federal law called HIPPA no one can see them without your written permission, not even your parents. Now that you are of legal age there is almost nothing your parents can do for you without written permission as long as you are conscious and alert.
Second: As far as being on your parents insurance. One has nothing to do with the other. Yes your parents will receive something called an EOB, which is an. "Explanation of Benefits." What this is simply a statement of the account with code numbers for the visit. In your case the number would decode to an office visit. Who the doctor was you saw. The date of the visit. The doctors charge, how much they paid, your copay and any remaining balance you may be responsible for or the doctor needs to write-off.
As to what you were seen and treated for; your parents are not entitled to that information unless you give them that permission. Your GYN doctor should have asked you to sign a HIPPA release at some point after you turned 14. As for anything concerning your reproductive system this federal law gave you medical confidentiality since you were 14.
I would suggest that you call your doctors office and ask that they review your file to see who you have given permission to see your medical information. If you parents are someone you gave that right too.
Simply write a note to the doctor and stating that "I__________(fill in the blank with your name) revoke the right of My parents, state their full name(s), to see my medical records". Sign and date the note. Also print out your name so there is no mistake as to who's medical records you are addressing. Fax or mail the note to the doctor.
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