QUESTION: Maria, who’s 16, receives confidential medical treatment. Although she doesn’t need or want to obtain parental consent, she wants her parents' insurance plan to pay for the treatment. Will information about her treatment be disclosed to her parents?
ANSWER ↕
The health-care provider can’t disclose the information to Maria’s parents. However, it’s possible that some information will be disclosed to them during the insurance reimbursement process. By asking the insurance company about the risks of disclosure first, Maria will be well informed before deciding where to seek care and how to pay for it.
Download a handout of questions and answers about all the real-life situations featured in the teen health guide.
Important Information
The material provided here is for basic informational purposes only. It’s not meant to be taken as legal advice, nor should you rely on this information instead of seeking the advice of an attorney. The legal issues surrounding civil rights and civil liberties are among the most complex in the law, and a person’s rights may vary from case to case depending on small and subtle details. Only a lawyer who has taken the time to become fully aware of the facts in a given case can provide you with sound legal advice.
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If you feel your rights have been violated, contact an attorney at once. The law imposes time limits on most actions to defend your rights, so it’s important to act quickly. If you do not know how to reach an attorney, call the lawyer referral service of your local bar association. They will be able to direct you to a lawyer experienced in the type of law involved in your case.
If you are under 18, finding a lawyer can be difficult. Many lawyers don’t represent minor clients without a parent’s permission. If it’s possible, speak to a trusted adult about finding a lawyer. Legal clinics based in universities may be able to assist minors in figuring out their legal options.