Mason Calls for End to Discrimination from Life Insurance Companies

GURNEE, Ill. – Continuing her work to protect consumers and hold insurance companies accountable, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, recently passed legislation to prohibit life insurance companies from unjustly denying or charging different rates based on past treatment for substance abuse.

“We need to hold insurance companies accountable and put an end to discriminatory practices that penalize people for treatment they received years prior to applying,” said Mason. “People should not be forced to pay more for reduced benefits simply because of their past. Everyone should feel free to seek treatment without fear of retribution from their life insurance provider.”

Currently, insurance companies can deny coverage or charge higher rates for less coverage because someone received treatment for substance abuse over a decade before applying. Mason is standing up against these discriminatory practices and holding insurance companies accountable with her recently passed legislation. Mason’s legislation, (House Bill 33) would stop life insurance companies from charging higher rates or limiting coverage solely based on whether they have received treatment for substance abuse more than five years prior to applying. House Bill 33 passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and has been sent to the Governor to be signed into law.

“People with the courage and determination to recover from substance abuse should not be penalized by insurance companies for their past,” said Mason. “By letting people put their past behind them, we can help encourage more people to seek the help they need, and continue working toward ending the opioid crisis in Illinois.”