Krajewski, Daley introduce bill to protect insured dependents’ privacy

HARRISBURG, April 8 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Mary Jo Daley have introduced legislation that would protect the privacy of insured dependents by allowing them to opt-in to privately receive confidential health information. 

“Imagine forgoing pursuit of potentially life-saving health care simply because you're worried that information you want kept private might get shared," said Daley, D-Montgomery. "That's a sad reality in Pennsylvania right now, and it's why Representative Krajewski and I are hopeful this bill to protect the medical information of insured dependents across the commonwealth receives the attention it deserves." 

Krajewski, D-Phila., said the need to protect insured dependents’ privacy was brought to his attention from a constituent who is a medical student and has seen firsthand the consequences of leaving dependents vulnerable. 

“This constituent had patients who chose to not seek sensitive care, like sexually transmitted infection or HIV testing and mental health treatment, for fear their insured parent or guardian would find out,” Krajewski said. “Health care is a human right, and any barrier to health care needs to be addressed and resolved so that no one is left unable to get the care they need. 

“I think this also has implications for people who are LGBTQ+, specifically trans people who may seek hormone replacement therapy that’s covered by insurance,” Krajewski said, pointing out there are a range of people who need their privacy protected so they can have safe access to health care. “I’m grateful to work with Representative Daley on this legislation that would provide a huge measure of security to dependents who might otherwise defer needed care for fear their personal information could be compromised.”