Understanding Minors’ Right to Consent for Health Care and Confidentiality Protections in the Context of Insurance

States laws allow minors to consent for their health care based upon their status (e.g. as an emancipated or mature minor, or a parent) and based upon the services they seek, (e.g. STD diagnosis and treatment, contraception, or mental health care). Both state and federal laws provide confidentiality protection when minors consent for their own health care. These minor consent laws and the relationship between a minor's right to consent for health care services and confidentiality protections will be described. The significance of these laws in the context of health insurance coverage will be discussed.