Can I use my parents' health insurance without them seeing?

Insurance Forum Health Insurance
1

I’m 21, so I’m still on my parents’ health insurance for now, and I’m based in Indiana. I’m trying to find out if there’s a way to use it without my parents being able to see the details.

To give some context, I have a difficult relationship with my parents, and I don’t want them knowing about the doctors I’m visiting. I understand they can’t see the exact tests or procedures, but I’d prefer they don’t even know where I’m going or how often. Our deductible is already met for the year, so I’m trying to use it as needed without them finding out.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

2

This can vary based on your state and insurance company. Under HIPAA, you can request your insurance to send the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) directly to you, which would list what services were paid for. However, not all companies are required to comply with this request, as it depends on state laws. You’d need to check if Indiana has specific rules allowing you to get this information privately.

If your state has supportive laws, you can ask your insurance to send EOBs directly to your address or set up electronic delivery if you don’t live at home. Make sure your parents don’t have access to your mail.

3

Since you’re over 18, HIPAA protects your medical information, meaning your parents can’t just call and get your details. They’d need specific info like the provider, service date, and amount billed to discuss any claims, and even then, they wouldn’t get diagnosis details.

Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Set up your own online account. Your parents shouldn’t be able to access your details without your permission, but if they’ve already made an account, contact the insurance to revoke it and set up one under your control.

  2. Switch to electronic communications. Opt for digital EOBs through your web portal, so nothing gets sent home. If you’re living elsewhere, see if you can set up a separate mailing address with the insurance.

  3. Add a verbal password. You can usually set a password that would be required before anyone (even your parents) could access your account over the phone.

  4. Don’t sign a HIPAA release with your provider if it allows them to share info with your parents. Double-check any forms you sign to ensure your privacy.