Released by CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Office …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement applauding 2020 legislative efforts by Speaker-designate Chris Sprowls and Senator Kelli Stargel to prohibit life insurance companies from using DNA or genetic testing to determine the type and cost of coverage available to consumers. Senate Bill 1564 and House Bill 1189, which passed the House Health and Human Services Committee today, would prohibit life insurers and long-term care insurers from canceling, limiting, denying coverage, or establishing differentials in premium rates based on an individual’s genetic information.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “As DNA testing becomes more popular through companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, we must ensure that your genetic code is not used against you. DNA information should only be shared with your explicit consent and it should not be used to determine the cost and kinds of insurance coverage available to you. Just like your financial data, your DNA data must remain private and I will continue to advocate for the protection of your genetic information to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands or being used against you for insurance purposes.
“I’m proud that we have champions in the Florida Legislature like Speaker-designate Chris Sprowls and Senator Kelli Stargel working to protect Floridians. Passage of this important legislation would be a vital step in the fight for consumers and your right to genetic privacy.”
###
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).