Lawmakers Challenge OPM Health Data Request

Federal employees are expressing concern regarding the government's request for medical records. The agency has not yet published a final decision. The Office of Personnel Management has requested detailed medical records from federal workers, postal workers, and retired members of Congress. This request affects approximately eight million people nationally, including nearly 750,000 residents in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The request has caused concern among the affected workforce. Advocates from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association state there is no valid reason for the Office of Personnel Management to hold personally identifiable health data. Members expressed concerns regarding both data breach security and potential misuse of the information by the agency. Health policy experts suggest the Office of Personnel Management's request for data could be used to provide competitive health plans. However, experts noted the wording is broad and vague, raising concerns regarding potential violations of workers' medical privacy. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and several U.S. representatives have argued that the government's proposed handover of health data is illegal. Republican-controlled congressional oversight committees have not yet responded to the request to reverse course.