HHS Adjusts 2021 HIPAA, Certain ACA and MSP Monetary Penalties

Summary

Group health plan sponsors and other entities that violate the privacy, security, breach notification and electronic healthcare transaction rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) now face higher penalties. Inflation adjustments released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) apply to penalties assessed on or after Nov. 15, 2021, for violations occurring on or after Nov. 2, 2015. This most recent inflation increase is 1.182%. This article highlights the changes of interest to employers sponsoring group health plans.