BLKWell™Know Your Rights
Plain-language summaries of your rights as a patient, as an employee with a disability, and as someone navigating the insurance and benefits system. Share this page — this information belongs to everyone.
Your rights as a patient
The right to be treated with respect
Every patient has the right to care that is respectful, dignified, and free from discrimination. That applies no matter your race, disability, income, or insurance status.
The right to understand your care
Your doctor must explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and risks in a way you understand. You can ask them to slow down, explain again, or use plain language. Never feel embarrassed to ask.
The right to an interpreter
If English is not your primary language, or if you are Deaf, any healthcare facility that gets federal money must provide a free qualified interpreter — not a family member. You can ask for one before your appointment.
The right to say no
You can refuse any treatment, test, or procedure. Your provider must tell you what may happen if you refuse, but they cannot force care on you. You do not have to sign anything you have not read and understood.
The right to a second opinion
You can always ask another doctor to review your case. Your insurance may cover it. If a provider discourages this, that is a red flag.
The right to your records
You have the right to a copy of all your medical records, test results, and visit notes — usually within 30 days. Under HIPAA, providers cannot charge excessive fees for electronic copies.
The right to privacy
Your health information is protected under HIPAA. Providers cannot share your records without your permission, except in narrow situations like emergencies or public health reporting.
The right to accessible equipment and facilities
Under the ADA and Section 504, healthcare providers must provide accessible exam tables, scales, imaging equipment, and entrances. You can request this accommodation in advance.
Your rights at work (ADA accommodations)
What the ADA covers
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to employers with 15 or more employees. It says you cannot be fired, demoted, or treated unfairly because of a disability.
What counts as a disability
A disability under the ADA includes any physical or mental condition that substantially limits a major life activity — like walking, breathing, sleeping, concentrating, or caring for yourself. Many chronic conditions qualify.
Reasonable accommodations
You have the right to ask your employer for changes that let you do your job — like flexible hours, remote work, rest breaks, modified duties, or special equipment. They must provide these unless it causes serious hardship to the business.
How to ask
Make your request in writing to HR or your manager. You do not have to use the words "ADA" or "reasonable accommodation." You just need to explain your limitation and what you need. Your employer may ask for documentation from your doctor.
Medical privacy at work
Your employer cannot ask about your disability before hiring you. After hire, any medical information you share must be kept confidential and separate from your personnel file.
FMLA — protected leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act lets eligible employees take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for a serious health condition. Intermittent FMLA may cover flare-ups of chronic conditions.
Understanding and appealing denials
You have the right to appeal
If your insurance denies a claim or a prior authorization, you have the right to appeal in writing. Ask for the denial in writing and the exact reason code before you respond.
Internal appeal
First, file an internal appeal with your insurance company. They must respond within set timelines. Include a letter from your doctor explaining why the care is medically necessary.
External review
If the internal appeal fails, you can request an independent external review by a third party. For ACA plans, this is a federal right. The reviewer's decision is usually binding on the insurer.
State Insurance Commissioner
If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. It is free and can pressure your insurer to pay.
Disability benefit appeals (SSDI/SSI)
If Social Security denies your disability claim, do not give up. Most approvals happen at the appeal stage. You have 60 days to file. Many disability attorneys work on contingency, meaning no win and no fee.