Health officials and insurers push wearable monitoring despite privacy and cost concerns

The telematics model that collects minute-by-minute driving data for auto insurance is being repurposed for health care, with the White House and insurers advocating widespread use of wearables. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, told lawmakers in 2025 that all Americans should wear a monitoring device within four years, promising greater personal control over health. However, a Maryland Insurance Administration study showed mixed premium outcomes for auto telematics, and no clear evidence that health wearables lower overall costs.

Companies such as John Hancock (Vitality), UnitedHealthcare (Wellness Rewards), and others already reward users for sharing data, while MAHA seeks federal resources to embed wearable data into electronic health records. The FDA recently reclassified AI-enabled wearables, limiting regulation as long as they do not claim diagnostic ability. Experts note that the data are often inaccurate, of limited clinical use, and could be sold to third parties, potentially raising premiums for risky users. The article argues that treating bodies like cars does not constitute a sound health strategy or policy.