Medical Privacy and the Medical
Information BureauThe Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a data bank of medical and nonmedical information on nearly 15 million Americans. Are you one of them? You may be if you have ever applied for health insurance from any of the MIB’s 800 insurance company members. The companies send the MIB any information you have written on any applications, enrollment forms, or requests for upgrading coverage for health, life or disability insurance. The MIB also records information from medical exams, blood and lab tests, and hospital reports when such information is legally obtainable.
If you have been denied insurance, and you wonder why, your file at the MIB may be the answer. Although the MIB’s database seems like an invasion of your privacy, it prevents fraud and abuse of the nation’s private insurance system. However, you have the right to make sure the information in your MIB file is correct. Call the MIB and ask for a copy of your records at 1-866-692-6901, or access its Web site at www.mib.com.
Now that you know about the MIB, you understand why it is important to provide truthful information on any insurance application. If the MIB spots false information, your insurer may cancel your policy. Even worse, you may never be issued another policy.
