Montana Code 33-18-903. Discrimination on basis of genetic traits prohibited
33-18-903. Discrimination on basis of genetic traits prohibited. (1) Unless otherwise required by law, an insurer, health service corporation, health maintenance organization, fraternal benefit society, or other issuer of an individual or group policy or certificate of insurance may not, on the basis of a person‘s genetic traits:
Terms Used In Montana Code 33-18-903
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
- Writing: includes printing. See Montana Code 1-1-203
(a)fail or refuse to accept an application for a policy or certificate of insurance;
(b)fail or refuse to issue a policy or certificate of insurance to an applicant;
(c)cancel a policy or certificate of insurance;
(d)refuse to renew a policy or certificate of insurance;
(e)charge a higher rate or premium for a policy or certificate of insurance; or
(f)offer or provide different terms, conditions, or benefits or place a limitation on coverage under a policy or certificate of insurance.
(2)An insurer, health service corporation, health maintenance organization, fraternal benefit society, or other issuer of an individual or group policy or certificate of insurance may not underwrite or condition coverage on the basis of:
(a)a requirement or agreement that the individual undergo genetic testing; or
(b)genetic information about a member of the individual’s family.
(3)Discrimination may not be made in the fees or commissions of agents or brokers for writing or renewing an individual or group policy of insurance on the basis of an individual’s genetic traits.
(4)This section does not apply to transactions of life, disability income, or long-term care insurance.
(5)This section does not prohibit an insurer, health service corporation, health maintenance organization, fraternal benefit society, or other issuer of an individual or group policy or certificate of insurance from discriminating as otherwise allowed by law on the basis of other factors unrelated to genetic traits.