Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:42:55 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 10/20/2025 3:42:55 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Many of us have had our purse nabbed or wallet stolen. In the wrong hands, we worry our driver’s license, medical ID card and credit cards will be used to create havoc in our lives. With personal information in the hands of the wrong person, our identities can be stolen online, too.

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Keep Your Information Secure
Your PHI is safe when it’s only shared with people you trust. PHI includes medical records and other health-related documents that list personal data. This personal data is usually your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

Standard Authorization Form
A standard authorization form lets you choose who has access to information about your health conditions and claims. For example, you might allow Blue Cross and Blue Shield to talk with your daughter if she’s helping manage your care. You can easily access and download the form anytime you need it using our Form Finder tool. (Search for “Privacy Standard Authorization Form” in the Search bar.)

Using the form is your choice. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information. We won’t release your PHI to anyone unless you give us permission to do so.

PHI and Covered Dependents
After every health claim is finalized, an Explanation of Benefits is provided. An EOB shows a breakdown of services received, along with their costs and what you might have to pay. Available on Blue Access for Members^SM, an EOB also displays PHI. What does this mean if there is more than one family member on a health plan?

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:54:49 GMT

Revision 17 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 9/5/2025 8:54:49 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

Bridgett — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:55:11 GMT

Revision 16 posted to Ask BCBSMT by Bridgett on 8/14/2025 12:55:11 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 22:03:10 GMT

Revision 14 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 1/3/2025 10:03:10 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 22:03:10 GMT

Revision 14 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 1/3/2025 10:03:10 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

Bridgett — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:22:44 GMT

Revision 13 posted to Ask BCBSMT by Bridgett on 1/3/2025 4:22:44 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:37:01 GMT

Revision 12 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 12/13/2024 8:37:01 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

Keep in mind, using the form is your choice. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information. We won’t release your PHI to anyone unless you give us permission to do so.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:33:40 GMT

Revision 11 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 12/13/2024 8:33:40 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You may have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Every day, stolen identities are used in health insurance scams. Luckily, you can take steps to keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask yourself these questions:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I use to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document isn’t related to your health, it may not be PHI.

If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form to receive or view their EOB information in BAM. However, only the policyholder can view an EOB.

Dependents can’t see their EOB or an EOB for anyone else on the plan. Only the policyholder can share an EOB with their dependents. It can be shared by printing a copy from BAM or emailing it.

If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit a standard authorization form.

Always be aware of your PHI. Protect it so it’s only shared with people you choose.

Sources: Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2024

Originally published 8/18/2015; Revised 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:32:35 GMT

Revision 10 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 3/29/2023 3:32:35 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You might have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Many of us have had our purse nabbed or wallet stolen. In the wrong hands, we worry our driver’s license, medical ID card and credit cards will be used to wreak havoc in our lives. And now we have to worry about our identities being stolen online, too.

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, you can keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe when it’s only shared with people you trust.

PHI includes medical records and other health-related documents that list personal data. They usually include your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Standard Authorization Form

Using a standard authorization form lets you choose who has access to information about your health conditions and claims. For example, you might allow Blue Cross and Blue Shield to talk with your daughter if she’s helping manage your care. Just keep in mind using the form is your choice. You don’t have to use one if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information. We won’t release your PHI to anyone unless you give us permission to do so.

Explanation of Benefits and Dependents

As a reminder, explanation of benefits (EOB) forms are available on Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM). If you cover dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a standard authorization form (SAF) to receive or view their EOB information in BAM’s Claim Center. Only the policy holder can view EOB. This means dependents can’t see their EOB or those of anyone else on the plan through their account. The policy holder can share an EOB with their dependents by printing the EOB from BAM or emailing the EOB to them. If you’d like your dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan, you’ll need to submit an SAF.

Be aware of your PHI, and the ways you can help ensure it’s protected and only shared with the people you choose.

1 Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2022

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Keep Your Protected Health Information (PHI) Safe

BCBSMT Connect Team — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:54:32 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 3/22/2023 7:54:32 PM

Have you ever felt nervous making a withdrawal from an ATM? Maybe someone was hovering a little too close for comfort. You might have wondered, “Did that person just see me enter my PIN?”

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, you can keep your protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe when it’s only shared with people you trust.

PHI includes medical records and other health-related documents that list personal data. They usually include your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is and isn’t PHI, ask:

Does the document show anything linked to my health condition?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified by anything shown on the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care listed?

Keep in mind, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Standard Authorization Form

Explanation of Benefits and Dependents

Be aware of your PHI, and the ways you can help ensure it’s protected and only shared with the people you choose.

1 Guidance Regarding Methods for De-identification of Protected Health Information in Accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2022

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:28:53 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 12/17/2020 10:28:53 PM

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form

Using a Standard authorization form lets you manage who can get information about your health conditions and claims. For example, you might allow BCBSMT to talk with your daughter if she’s helping manage your care. Just keep in mind using the form is completely your choice. You don’t have to use one if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information. BCBS won’t release your PHI to another person/third party unless you give us permission to do so.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents

As a reminder, EOB forms are available on the Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM) account for the policy holder. If you’re covering dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a Standard authorization form (SAF) to receive – and view – their EOB information in BAM’s Claim Center. Since only the policy holder can view EOB, dependents can’t see their EOB or those of anyone else on the plan through their account. The policy holder can share EOB with their dependents by printing the EOB from BAM or emailing the EOB to their dependent. If you’d like for a dependent to be able to request a paper copy of an EOB for someone else on the plan other than themselves, you’ll need to submit an SAF.

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

LaurenD — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 02:56:53 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Ask BCBSMT by LaurenD on 10/23/2018 2:56:53 AM

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tags: Security, Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 22:40:59 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 10/12/2018 10:40:59 PM

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form

Using a Standard authorization form lets you manage who can get information about your health conditions and claims. For example, you might allow BCBSXX to talk with your daughter if she’s helping manage your care. Just keep in mind using the form is completely your choice. You don’t have to use one if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information. BCBS won’t release your PHI to another person/third party unless you give us permission to do so.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tags: Security, Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Open enrollment, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 23:52:49 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 9/20/2018 11:52:49 PM

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

Kerchanin — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 15:16:15 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Ask BCBSMT by Kerchanin on 10/24/2016 3:16:15 PM

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Health Insurance Forms

Protecting Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

BCBSMT Connect Team — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 21:54:38 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Ask BCBSMT by BCBSMT Connect Team on 8/18/2015 9:54:38 PM

While using the ATM, I noticed a man lingering around the machine which seemed odd. When I left I wondered, “Did he just see me enter my PIN?” A half hour later, I went to pay for my groceries and my wallet was gone. I kind of panicked, wondering, “Is this an identity scam? First my PIN, now my wallet. What if my identity is being stolen?”

Stolen identities – and health insurance scams – happen. Luckily, all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members can keep their protected health information (PHI) in the right hands.

Taking Charge of Your Health
Your PHI is safe so long as it’s shared with those you trust.

PHI not only includes medical records, it also involves health-related documents that show personal data, such as your:

Address
Birthdate
Social Security Number¹

If you’re not sure what is – and isn’t – PHI, asking these questions may help you decide:

Does the document show anything linked to my health issue?
Is my name on the document?
Can I be identified based on what’s in the document?
Is the account I used to pay for care shown in the document?

Remember, if the document doesn’t relate to your health, it may not be viewed as PHI.

Your Standard authorization form
Using a Standard authorization form lets you manage who can get information about your health conditions and claims. For example, you might allow BCBSMT to talk with your daughter if she’s helping manage your care. Just keep in mind using the form is completely your choice. You don’t have to use one if you don’t want anyone to have access to your information.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Dependents
As a reminder, EOB forms are available on Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM). If you’re covering dependents on your health plan, you don’t need a Standard authorization form to receive – and view – their EOB information in BAM’s Claim Center. But, dependents can’t see EOBs for yourself or any other dependents without the form.

Think about getting involved with your PHI so you’re sure it’s not stolen. Thankfully I found my wallet while I was at the grocery store; ensure that your PHI stays similarly protected.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Health Insurance Scams, Health Insurance Forms