Members have the right to know how information is collected and used, and to not provide information about race, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, and pronouns.
This information is collected through enrollment information, self-disclosure, and the member portal. They are used to assess health care disparities, design intervention programs, and design and direct outreach materials, and they inform health care practitioners and providers about individuals’ needs. This information is not used in contracting or credentialing decisions or for any discriminatory purpose. Member race, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity cannot be used to perform underwriting, rate setting, and benefit determinations (specifically denial of coverage and benefits) and cannot be disclosed to unauthorized users. EmblemHealth limits and terminates access to information by employees who are not or no longer authorized to have access. Information is protected as outlined in EmblemHealth’s policies. Network providers and practitioners are also contractually obligated to protect the confidentiality of members’ information.
In addition, information is protected by information systems security, and authentication and authorization procedures, such as but not limited to password-protected files; storage, data disposal, and reuse of media and devices; and transmission and physical security requirements using company-protected equipment including access to devices and media that contain individual-level data. Devices can include but not be limited to diskettes, CDs, tapes, mobile applications, portable drives, desktops, laptops, secure portals, and hardware. Information is protected as stated in EmblemHealth’s policies.