What does HIPAA primarily aim to protect?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily aims to protect medical records and other personal health information. Its main purpose is to ensure that individuals' medical information remains confidential and secure while providing individuals with certain rights regarding their health information. HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of health information, mandating safeguards for how medical data can be used and disclosed by healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities handling health information.

The focus of HIPAA is specifically on the privacy and security of medical records, which include any information that could identify a patient or that relates to their past, present, or future physical or mental health conditions. Thus, the correct answer reflects the law's intent to secure medical-related information against unauthorized access and breaches, ensuring individuals' confidentiality in healthcare environments.