It seems like Congress thinks that everyone can and should be fully forthcoming with their parents. Like most things in life however, that depends. One of the most sacred confidentiality privileges enshrined in American law is that between a doctor and their patient. However, this isn't protected when it comes to adult dependents. Some companies like Humana allow adult dependents to limit access to records on how the insurance is being used, but this seems to be the exception rather than the rule. The mechanism involved should mirror FERPA: the information is unavailable by default unless the adult dependent chooses to waive their rights. This could especially improve access to sexual and mental health services for young adults.



