Which group is primarily the focus of Title 1 of HIPAA?

Title 1 of HIPAA primarily focuses on protecting health insurance coverage for individuals who are employed, specifically addressing the portability and continuity of health insurance benefits. This title is designed to ensure that individuals do not lose their health insurance when they change or lose their jobs.

Health plans are the primary group impacted by Title 1, as it sets standards for the protections they must offer and governs how these plans can handle pre-existing conditions. Title 1 regulates health insurance issuers and group health plans, ensuring they provide coverage for individuals even if they have certain pre-existing health conditions.

This focus is essential for maintaining continuous health coverage and protecting individuals from discrimination based on health status. Therefore, in the context of Title 1, health plans are the group being specifically addressed regarding the management of health insurance coverage and the rights of individuals to maintain that coverage.