GENETIC INFORMATION PRIVACY

Illinois Senate Bill 2799 (SB2799) aims to strengthen the Genetic Information Privacy Act by prohibiting health, life, disability, and long-term care insurers from using an individual's genetic information to influence coverage decisions or premium rates. Specifically, insurers cannot cancel, limit, or deny coverage, or set different premium rates based on a person's genetic information. They are also barred from requesting or using genetic test results for any insurance-related purposes. However, the bill allows insurers to access an individual's medical records and consider clinical diagnoses of manifest diseases or disorders as part of the application process, as permitted by existing laws. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, by Senator Julie A. Morrison and co-sponsored by Senator David Koehler. It was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, but as of May 8, 2026, it was re-referred to the Assignments Committee, indicating it did not advance further in the legislative process.

Positive media analysis is being generated.

Although direct media critiques of SB2799 are not found, opposition may arise from insurance industry representatives who could argue that restricting access to genetic information hampers their ability to accurately assess risk and set appropriate premium rates. They might contend that this limitation could lead to increased costs for insurers, potentially resulting in higher premiums for all policyholders to offset the inability to account for genetic risk factors.