City of San Francisco Claims California Health Insurance Companies Discriminate Against Women
In a lawsuit filed earlier this week, the City of San Francisco alleged that California insurance companies discriminate against women by charging higher premiums than they charge for men.
The lawsuit argues that the approved health insurance system permits insurance companies to impose "gender ratings" within their pricing policies. Under this system, the City alleges that women pay up to 39% more for health care coverage than men.
The suit pertains to insurance rates for individuals, not group policies.
Currently, ten states outlaw the practice of "gender rating". However, California does not specifically prohibit gender rating.
In response to the lawsuit, spokespeople for the insurance companies stated that their rates are based upon statistics and actuarials that demonstrate that women are more accident-prone and get sick more often than men.
