Akin petitions to protect privacy of health care records

(From Congressman Todd Akin)

Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), and fellow House colleagues sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee and will send a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to one of the largest data grabs in U.S. history. The letter is in response to the President’s healthcare bill which requires the Secretary of HHS to issue regulations setting standards for reinsurance and risk adjustment programs.

On July 15, 2011, HHS issued a proposed rule for standards related to reinsurance, risk corridors, and risk adjustment, which included recommendations to seize and centralize all private medical data in one database maintained by the federal government. This letter urges House Appropriators to prohibit any taxpayer funding from being used to complete this database.

“I was and continue to be in strong opposition to the President’s health care plan because it is both unconstitutional and morally wrong,” said Akin. “This proposed rule change is another example of how Obamacare is a gross overstepping of constitutional parameters.”

“The federal government does not have the right to access the medical records of millions of Americans without their consent,” stated Akin. “Ultimately, health care policy must include the liberty to make the best choices for yourself and your family without undue government interference.”

“I will continue to fight for the repeal of the President’s health care law and seek to implement common sense patient-centered health care reforms. I am confident that we can accomplish these goals.”