Today, it should be a historical day for consumer genomics. With overwhelming support the Senate passed by a vote of 95-0 on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (S. 358).
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) paves the way for the responsible use of genetic information. Now consumers can have a peace in mind when they order a genetic test to manage their health proactively: their genetic information would not be used against them.
GINA protects against discrimination with respect to health insurance and employment by the following:
· Prohibiting group health plans and issuers offering coverage on the group or individual market from basing eligibility determinations or adjusting premiums or contributions on the basis of genetic information. They cannot request, require or purchase the results of genetic tests, or disclose genetic information.
· Prohibiting issuers of Medigap policies from adjusting pricing or conditioning eligibility on the basis of genetic information. They cannot request, require or purchase the results of genetic tests, or disclose genetic information.
· Prohibiting employers from firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise discriminating with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment. Employers may not request, require or purchase genetic information, and may not disclose genetic information. Similar provisions apply to employment agencies and labor organizations.
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