What does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is primarily designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. This law sets standards for the handling, transmission, and storage of protected health information (PHI) by healthcare providers, insurers, and their associated business entities. HIPAA ensures that individuals have rights over their health information, including the right to access their records and request corrections if necessary.

By focusing on the privacy of health information, HIPAA aims to safeguard patients' sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches, which is crucial in maintaining trust in the healthcare system. Compliance with HIPAA helps to promote confidentiality and secure handling of patient information across various healthcare settings, thereby reinforcing the significance of personal privacy in health-related situations.

The other options do not align with the primary focus of HIPAA. The act does not specifically address individuals' rights to choose insurance plans, nor does it ensure the availability of healthcare services or protect health insurance companies from lawsuits. These areas fall under different regulations and policies within the broader healthcare landscape.