Q: Hi, my dad has Medicare and Medicaid and in this new administration, an unelected official (Elon Musk) is apparently
Accessing this information. Is this illegal?
A:
If Elon Musk or any other unauthorized individual is accessing your father’s Medicare and Medicaid information, that would likely be a serious violation of federal privacy laws. Health records are protected under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which limits who can view or share personal medical data. Only authorized personnel, such as healthcare providers, insurers, and government agencies responsible for these programs, should have access.
If there is evidence that someone without permission is obtaining this information, it should be reported immediately. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) investigates HIPAA violations, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversee these programs. You can file a complaint with HHS if you suspect unauthorized access. It may also be wise to contact a lawyer who handles privacy or healthcare-related issues to discuss potential legal action.
Privacy in healthcare is a fundamental right, and no private individual, no matter how influential, should have access to personal medical records without proper authorization. If this situation is happening, it’s important to act quickly to protect your father’s rights and prevent further breaches.
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