Gender Rating in Insurance (H 7363, S 2399)

Nationwide, have historically been charged more for the same health insurance as men - solely because of their gender - leaving women less able to purchase vital health care coverage. This practice is generally illegal under the Affordable Care Act, but gaps in the law allow the practice to continue. The uncertain status of the ACA in Congress further solidifies the need for protections at the state level. Legislation would have banned gender rating in Rhode Island regardless of any changes to federal law. The Senate passed their version of the bill in April, as they have for several years, but the House never acted on the legislation after an initial hearing in February.