Insurance Commissioner Jones opens investigation into alleged denials of life insurance policies for gay men taking HIV/AIDS prevention medications
News: 2018 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — "Today I directed the California Department of Insurance to open an investigation into published reports that gay men have been denied insurance policies covering life, disability, or long-term care because they were taking medication to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. Such denials, if they are occurring, could amount to illegal discrimination based on sexual orientation under California law, and if so, the companies doing so could be penalized. The New York Times has reported that various insurers nationwide have denied policies to gay men after learning they took Truvada to protect against HIV. The taking of medication to protect against HIV/AIDS, called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These denials may effectively penalize applicants based on sexual orientation. Insurers cannot choose to deny coverage based on discriminatory reasons. I encourage any California residents who believe they have been denied coverage because of PrEP to contact the California Department of Insurance by calling our toll-free Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (4357) or by filing a Request for Assistance online at www.insurance.ca.gov."
- Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
