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Privacy protections

For Enrollee race, ethnicity and language data

Race, ethnicity and language details are necessary to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) to our members. The data is collected, stored, protected, and used as allowed by internal policies.

Keystone First - CHIP collects, stores, and reports data on Enrollee's race, ethnicity, and language to:

  • Understand the demographics (the data of a population) of our Enrollees
  • Measure and report any existing disparities (differences) in healthcare or service
  • Address those disparities through appropriate outreach and Enrollee initiatives

The plan's internal policies set when we can and can't use race, ethnicity and language data. The policies also describe how Enrollees will be notified of privacy protections.

A. Data access control

Access to individual-level race, ethnicity and language data:

  1. Is regulated by Keystone First - CHIP information security access controls policies
  2. Will only be provided to those associates whose jobs require access to this information
  3. Will be terminated according to Keystone First - CHIP information security access controls policies

B. Permissible uses of data

Race, ethnicity and language data will be used to:

  1. Assess healthcare disparities
  2. Design intervention programs
  3. Design and direct outreach materials
  4. Inform health care practitioners and providers about individuals' language needs
  5. Inform health care practitioners and providers to help design programs to improve health outcomes

C. Impermissible uses of data

Race, ethnicity and language data will not be:

  1. Used to perform underwriting, rate setting or benefit determinations
  2. Disclosed to unauthorized users

D. Notification of privacy practices

  1. Enrollees will be told of Keystone First - CHIP policies for use and protection of race, ethnicity and language data at the time of direct collection.
  2. Keystone First - CHIP may communicate its policies for use and protection of race, ethnicity and language data through its standard forms of communication; e.g., Enrollee handbook, Enrollee newsletters, provider newsletters, website news and information, etc.