Though we have already discussed the issue of genetic testing in the guest lecture and in the blog, I found it relevant to return to the issue in light of recent news. Yesterday, a bill barring employers and insurers from discriminating against people based on their genetics was passed unanimously in the US Senate. The article I came across states "the measure would prohibit health insurers from rejecting coverage or raising premiums for healthy people based on their genetic predisposition to develop a disease. It also would bar health insurers from requiring a person to take a genetic test that might reveal a predisposition for illness." I find it comforting to know that probabilities of genetic-based diseases will not influence my ability to obtain a job or adequate health insurance. Moreover, I find it comforting to know that I can choose whether or not to undergo genetic testing. I am sure many individuals would not want to undergo such testing in order to avoid the stress associated with worrying about a future disease.
The article also brings up the point that the bill "encourages people to undergo genetic testing that might help lead to early treatment and prevention of diseases." Patients can use the information obtained from testing with doctors to guide medical decisions. This ability would also benefit insurance companies, as the onset of future diseases may be prevented.
Friday, April 25, 2008
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3 comments:
I'm glad that this issue is being addressed by the senate! I think many people are wary of genetic testing specifically for this reason, and for those who are on the fence about it because of this, it would certainly help to put their mind at ease.
I still cannot believe that this is the first legislation going through the Senate concerning genetic discrimination. I am in complete favor of the bill, and am also very glad that the issue is finally being addressed by the federal government. I am also glad that it is being passed prior to having any discrimination events (that I am aware of right now) to instigate it.
I remember reading about an executive order by Bill Clinton that tried to do the same. In 2000 after the legislation failed in congress he passed this order to prevent any health plans, group or individual, from denying coverage or raising premiums based on genetic predisposition. I'm glad that this passed in the senate, especially with such a unanimous vote!
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