State RegulationsMA specificDifficulty 3/5
A Massachusetts life insurer's underwriting manual lists possible bases for declining applicants. Under M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 120A to 120E, declining an applicant on which basis would be unlawful?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why C is correct
M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 120A through 120E add protected categories to Massachusetts life underwriting, including intellectual disability, blindness, conditions associated with exposure to certain medications, victims of abuse, and genetic tests and information under § 120E. Declining an applicant because she is a victim of abuse falls within these protected classes. Ordinary risk-based factors remain available to the underwriter outside that list.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) A hazardous current occupation is a genuine risk factor and remains a lawful underwriting consideration outside the protected classes of M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 120A to 120E.
- B) Intentional misstatement on a prior application is conduct-based and grounds for adverse action; the §§ 120A to 120E protections do not shield it.
- D) An active, currently diagnosed medical condition is standard underwriting territory; the protected categories of M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 120A to 120E do not cover it.
Memory hook
Abuse victims, genes, blindness — protected classes, not pricing levers.