State RegulationsMA specificDifficulty 2/5
An applicant for individual life insurance in Massachusetts is asked to undergo a genetic test, and the insurer indicates it would price the policy using the result. Which statement is correct under M.G.L. c. 175, § 120E?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
M.G.L. c. 175, § 120E protects genetic tests and genetic information in life insurance underwriting: an insurer may not require a genetic test or use genetic information to deny, limit, or price coverage. Massachusetts treats genetic predispositions as beyond the reach of the life underwriting desk, whatever the face amount and whoever pays the laboratory bill. The result cannot become a rate class or a declination.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Paying the laboratory fee does not legalize the demand; M.G.L. c. 175, § 120E forbids requiring the test itself.
- C) The statute draws no pricing carve-out; M.G.L. c. 175, § 120E bars using genetic information to deny, limit, or price coverage alike.
- D) The face amount is irrelevant under M.G.L. c. 175, § 120E; genetic-test demands are barred regardless of coverage size.
Memory hook
Genes are not a rate class — § 120E keeps them off the life desk.