Johanns-Barrasso Bill Protects Americans' Private Health Care Information

Press Release

U.S. Sens. Mike Johanns (R-NE) and John Barrasso (R-WY) today introduced legislation to help protect Americans' private health care information. The Health Exchange Security and Transparency Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify Americans within two business days if their personal information has been stolen due to a breach of security on the insurance exchanges included in the President's health care law.

"Personal information is just that -- personal and private," Johanns said. "Americans are being forced to submit a great deal of sensitive data when they sign up for Obamacare, despite misgivings about the website and reports that it is susceptible to hackers. They have a right to know if their private information has been compromised. Our legislation provides that extra layer of protection."

"After forcing so many people to buy health insurance through the government, the Administration has the highest level of responsibility to protect Americans' personal health information," Barrasso said. "When Americans fall victim to fraud and identity theft after using the health care exchange, they need to know immediately so they can protect themselves. If President Obama is really prepared to support good ideas about his health care law, he'll embrace our bill immediately."

In addition to Barrasso and Johanns, the Health Exchange Security and Transparency Act is co-sponsored by Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

The Health Exchange Security and Transparency Act mirrors legislation introduced in the House of Representatives on January 6th by Representative Joe Pitts (R-PA). The House of Representatives is expected to vote on this legislation on Friday, January 10th.

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