Which Federal regulation offers portability as a major advantage for Group Health Insurance?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily focuses on protecting the privacy and security of health information while also providing individuals with the right to maintain their health insurance coverage when changing jobs or leaving a group plan. One of the significant advantages of HIPAA is its portability provision, which ensures that individuals can keep their health insurance coverage and avoid gaps in benefits when transitioning from one employer's health plan to another, or when moving from a group plan to an individual plan.

This is particularly beneficial because it helps prevent discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions, allowing them to access health insurance more readily without facing higher premiums or exclusions. In essence, HIPAA promotes health insurance coverage continuity, making it easier for individuals to manage their healthcare needs through various life and job changes.

The other regulations mentioned, such as the Affordable Care Act, primarily focus on the availability and affordability of health insurance rather than specifically enhancing the portability of existing coverage. While MACRA and ERISA address other aspects of health benefits and employee retirement, they do not emphasize portability in the same way that HIPAA does.