title: State and federal insurance reforms for individuals and small groups.
abstract: Forty-six states and the federal government have enacted legislation to eliminate some of the worst forms of discrimination by health insurance companies against individuals and people who buy in small groups.  This issue of States of Health examines what the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act will--and won't--do for vulnerable people.  It highlights the continuing need for state reforms and looks at a role for advocates.
mesh_terms: D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D006076:Government; D018166:Health Care Reform; D020408:Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States