House lawmakers demand Covered California explain how it sent patient data to LinkedIn

House lawmakers, including Congressman Brett Guthrie, are pressing Covered California for explanations regarding the sharing of sensitive health data with LinkedIn. The inquiry follows a report that revealed the exchange's website utilized advertising trackers to relay personal health information, such as whether users were pregnant or transgender, to LinkedIn. Lawmakers raised concerns about potential violations of federal privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Covered California stated that the data sharing was unintentional and has paused the use of trackers while conducting a review of its practices. The extended data exposure has prompted the committee to question the adequacy of safeguards in place.

In response to the investigation, a class-action lawsuit against LinkedIn was filed, alleging privacy violations. A spokesperson for Covered California confirmed they would respond to the committee by its deadline of July 1. The situation underscores the importance of robust data privacy measures in state health exchanges.