In 2012, the ONC rolled out the Automated Blue Button Initiative meant to open up health information that is technically owned by consumers, but has been painfully difficult to access.

FORBES: Federal Government Embracing Healthtech Startups to Cut Costs and Improve Outcomes

An open-government initiative, Blue Button results from a collaboration between VA and HHS to develop an online feature that would enable Veterans and Medicare beneficiaries to easily read, use, and share their personal health information with providers and others they trust.

WHITEHOUSE: ��Blue Button�� Provides Access to Downloadable Personal Health Data | The White House