Take Action

Federal law must include protection against insurance discrimination. Urge your representatives in Congress to support Senate Bill 1136 and House Bill 2395.

Resources

Insurance Discrimination Against Victims of Domestic Violence

F.Y.I. Insurance Discrimination Against Victims of Domestic Violence: 2002 Supplement

Insurance

Insurance discrimination against victims of domestic violence

In 1994, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Law Project began its ongoing effort to stop insurers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence. The impetus for this work was the denial of health, life and mortgage disability insurance to a Pennsylvania woman because of medical records revealing an incident of domestic violence. Our advocacy began with administrative and legislative efforts to stop such discrimination in Pennsylvania and expanded to assuming a leading role in efforts nationwide to stop discrimination against victims of domestic violence. At present 41 states have legislation prohibiting insurance discrimination against victims of abuse and efforts continue to insure comprehensive legislation at the state and federal level. (See recent success, Governor Signs Act 78).

Federal legislation to stop insurance discrimination is essential to comprehensive coverage

The wide disparity of anti discrimination laws adopted in 41 states has created a patchwork of inconsistent protection throughout the country, leaving many unprotected.
36% of all employees who receive health insurance coverage through employment-based plans are in self-funded plans which are governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and therefore exempt from state law protections

Contact your federal legislators to ask them to support Senate Bill 1136 and House Bill 2395.