Montana Panel Considers Ending Unisex Insurance Rates

Supporters of a bill that would allow some insurance companies to consider sex when determining policy rates say the measure would put money back in the pockets of Montanans.

House Bill 600 would still prohibit health insurance companies from considering sex when establishing health care premiums, but would repeal a 1985 measure that prohibits sex-based consideration on all other insurance policy rates.

Rep. Wendy Warburton presented the bill Friday to the House Business and Labor Committee.

The Havre Republican says the bill would help women drivers by ensuring lower auto insurance rates.

Opponents argue the measure is discriminatory and would only decrease rates for women drivers younger than 25-years-old, while increasing disability and life insurance premiums for older women.

The committee didn’t take immediate action on the bill.