Individual Health Insurance Can Be Gender Biased

Would you believe that 95% of individual health insurance companies deny people for health insurance based on their gender? This affects women most of all because they are denied coverage at an alarming rate. According to CBS News story "37 states allow health coverage gender bias," there are only 13 states where it is illegal to practice this 'gender rating'.

Gender rating is simple, men pay less for health insurance coverage than women do. One of the biggest problems with this, other than the fact that it is unfair, is that women are denied because they go to the doctor more. Interviews with many experts point out though that this actually lowers the overall burden of health care costs nationally. By going to see doctors more regularly, women are treated earlier for diseases and avoid some problems altogether.

Health insurance companies don't seem to appreciate this though. Prevention magazine is publishing an article about this gender rating in their December issue. They found that women tend to pay 84% more for health insurance than men. For those who are unemployed or cannot obtain employer health insurance for some reason, Charter Oak Health Plan is an option for affordable health insurance coverage. If you are a woman who questions your health insurance quote based on gender, see if you are in one of the 13 states where gender rating is illegal.