What is one of the key features of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

One of the key features of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is its role in protecting patient confidentiality and the security of health information. HIPAA was enacted to ensure that individuals' medical records and other personal health information are kept safe and confidential. This includes establishing national standards for electronic healthcare transactions, as well as safeguarding health information against unauthorized access and breaches.

Through HIPAA, patients have the right to understand and control how their health information is used and disclosed. Healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses are required to implement safeguards to protect this sensitive information and to comply with regulations regarding its use and disclosure. As a result, HIPAA is crucial in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers, allowing patients to seek care without fear of their private information being exposed.

In contrast, while the other options touch on aspects related to health care or insurance, they do not accurately represent the primary intent and provisions of HIPAA. For instance, HIPAA does not guarantee free healthcare, fund health insurance companies, or primarily focus on standardizing medical billing procedures; these topics belong to different areas within healthcare legislation and policy.