Under California law, an insurer may not use a person's genetic characteristics to:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
California Insurance Code Sections 10146 and 10147(b) prohibit insurers from using genetic characteristics to deny, cancel, or limit coverage or to set discriminatory rates. A genetic characteristic includes a gene or chromosome alteration that is inherited or present at birth and can be passed to offspring. Insurers also may not require genetic tests as a condition of coverage, although they may still consider family medical history in underwriting. The prohibition protects consumers from discrimination based on their DNA. The prohibition is strict: an insurer may not even request a genetic test, and refusing coverage because of test results would be an unlawful discriminatory practice in California.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Choosing which medical tests to require is a legitimate underwriting function; the law restricts using genetic test results, not medical testing generally. Medical testing is still permitted, so this option describes a lawful underwriting activity rather than a prohibited use.
- C) Identity verification is unrelated to the genetic nondiscrimination rule. Identity checks are routine administrative steps and have nothing to do with the genetic discrimination rules, so this answer is irrelevant to the prohibition.
- D) Family medical history may still be used in underwriting; the prohibition targets the use of genetic characteristics themselves, not medical history. Reviewing family history remains lawful, so this option describes permitted underwriting rather than a prohibited use of genetic data.
Memory hook
Your DNA is off-limits to underwriters in California, but family medical history is fair game.