By April 14, 2003, most employer-sponsored group health plans must be in compliance with HIPAA, the "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," and its implementing regulations, which contain complicated rules for assuring the privacy of individuals’ health information. Employers must be concerned about these rules if they sponsor or offer any type of group health benefit for their employees. These include:
- Medical or health benefits
- Dental benefits
- Vision benefits
- Prescription drug benefits
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts or Reimbursement Accounts