The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules how and with whom your personal medical information can be shared. Under HIPAA, you have a legal right to get copies of your medical records. You also have the right to share your documents with anyone you choose as long as you sign a consent or release form.  HIPAA also lets payers see your medical records. Insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, workers comp, disability, the VA, or any institution that pays for part of your healthcare can ask for your records. Life insurance and prescription databases can also access your records. Even the government can view your medical records in some circumstances.