(The Center Square) — A new bipartisan proposal in the Delaware Assembly would prohibit insurance companies from accessing DNA testing results from their customers to set premium rates.
The legislation being considered by the House Committee on Economic Development, Banking, Insurance and Commerce would block insurance companies from using genetic testing results as a basis for life insurance company rates.
Backers of the plan argue that insurance companies shouldn’t be allowed to access a person’s DNA tests that can predict a policyholder’s predisposition to deadly diseases, such as cancer or rare genetic maladies.
The bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, R-Clayton, said, like many people, he has taken a DNA test, which can be used to verify someone’s ancestry or check for any genetic health issues.
“Often, those reports contain a disclaimer stating that knowledge of what you are about to receive may affect your life insurance,” Spiegelman said. “I don’t think it’s fair that the information you received through a test you paid for can be used by your life insurance company to boost your rates or deny you coverage.”