To whom can an applicant's medical information from the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) be shared?

The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) provides a centralized repository of medical information that insurers can access to evaluate applicants for insurance coverage. When it comes to sharing an applicant's medical information from the MIB, it is important to understand the confidentiality and privacy laws governing this data.

The correct response indicates that the applicant's physician can receive this medical information. This is appropriate because the physician has a professional interest in understanding their patient's medical history, which can directly impact the care and treatment they provide. Additionally, sharing this information with the physician aligns with the norms of patient confidentiality and ensures that the applicant is aware of their medical history when making decisions about their health and insurance.

In contrast, other parties such as insurers, other insurance companies, or the general public have restrictions regarding access to this sensitive data to protect the rights of the individual and ensure that medical information is not disclosed indiscriminately. Insurers may have access to MIB information but typically do so under specific protocols for underwriting purposes rather than for direct sharing with the applicant's physician. Thus, the focused sharing of medical information with the applicant's physician supports the principles of patient care and confidentiality.