State-run health insurance marketplaces in Virginia and Washington D.C. have been sharing users' personal information with advertising technology companies, according to a Bloomberg investigation.

The data sharing included sensitive information such as users' citizenship status and race data collected through the health insurance enrollment websites. This information was reportedly transmitted to advertising companies as part of data collection practices on the state healthcare platforms.

Following the Bloomberg investigation's findings, both Virginia and Washington D.C. have paused their data collection and sharing practices with advertisers. The suspension suggests state officials are reviewing their data handling procedures in response to the reported privacy concerns.

The revelation raises questions about data privacy protections on government health websites, where users provide personal information to access health insurance coverage. State health insurance marketplaces serve as critical platforms for residents to compare and purchase health plans, particularly for those who do not receive insurance through employers.

The extent of data sharing with advertising companies and whether other state marketplaces engage in similar practices remains unclear. The pause in data sharing by the two jurisdictions indicates ongoing scrutiny of how state healthcare websites handle sensitive user information.