Privacy PolicyApril 1, 2008 Subject: Notice of Privacy Practices Dear MCSIG Plan Participant: The Monterey County Schools Insurance Group (MCSIG) Board has adopted a new privacy plan with policies and procedures as specified by the federal regulations established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. The purpose of these privacy regulations is to prevent disclosure of Protected Health Information to persons not entitled to such information. Enclosed is a comprehensive privacy notice that will help you further understand your rights and obligations concerning your personal health information. The MCSIG Board is dedicated to fully protecting your personal health information. Please bear in mind that the extensive, complicated federal privacy regulations may limit MCSIG’s ability to provide information without the extra steps mandated by the privacy rules. In addition, there is no federal reimbursement of the extensive cost anticipated in order to implement the required new privacy plan. Despite the challenges these new regulations create for the administration of your health plans, the MCSIG Board is committed to doing our very best at maintaining the high level of customer service our districts and plan participants currently receive. Please call MCSIG Customer Service for any further information about the privacy plan you may need. The local number for customer service is (831) 755-8055 and the toll free number is (800) 287-1442. Sincerely, |