Bill > H783

This bill, concerning financial services and insurance policies, aims to prohibit discrimination by insurers in Massachusetts. It defines "insurer" broadly to include various types of insurance companies, fraternal benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations, and clarifies that a "policy" refers to any insurance contract, plan, or agreement. The bill specifically states that no policy subject to its provisions can be based on or use any statistical data, such as mortality or morbidity tables, that classifies residents of the Commonwealth into separate groups based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, or national origin. Furthermore, it prevents insurers from treating individuals differently regarding the availability, terms, rates, benefits, or requirements of a policy based on these protected characteristics. This prohibition applies to policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed by agreement on or after June 1, 2012, and to changes made to existing policies after that date where the dollar amount of the change is not predetermined. The bill includes exceptions, allowing for the use of approved blended tables, the issuance of family policies, and the continuation of coverage for groups with a single religious affiliation. It also clarifies that certain retirement benefits derived from contributions made before July 6, 1983, are not affected.