Read the fine print of your privacy policy. Chances are good that your provider is selling all of your personal information to credit agencies like Experian. The credit agencies will in turn sell every prescription you've ever take and every word you've ever spoken to your doctor to any schmuck with $30. Even if the privacy policy precludes this, chances are good when you terminate service or the HMO gets bought out, etc, the privacy policy is invalid and then they will turn a quick buck by hawking your info and your children's personal info. Billy on Ritalin? His future employer will pay to find out.