SwiftCare
Patient Rights

The protections already working for you

A plain-language look at the federal laws that shape your privacy, billing, and coverage as a U.S. patient.

HIPAA

Protects the privacy of your health information.

ACA

Shapes core coverage protections and marketplace rules.

No Surprises Act

Limits unexpected out-of-network billing in many situations.

Consumer Protections

Broader rights around appeals, access, and complaint processes.

Reviewing HIPAA privacy documentation

HIPAA Privacy Protections

Who can see your health information

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act sets national standards for how healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates may use and disclose your protected health information. In general, it gives you the right to access your own records, request corrections, and receive an accounting of certain disclosures.

  • You generally have the right to obtain a copy of your medical records.
  • Providers must have safeguards in place to protect your information.
  • You can file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights were violated.

ACA Coverage Concepts

The Affordable Care Act introduced protections that reshaped individual and marketplace coverage, including limits on denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and required coverage of certain preventive services without additional cost-sharing on many plans.

Ask a coverage question

No Surprises Act

This federal law generally protects patients from unexpected out-of-network bills in emergency situations and certain non-emergency cases at in-network facilities, and establishes a process for resolving billing disputes.

Ask about a surprise bill

Common Questions

Patient rights, answered plainly