Genetic discrimination in health insurance: an overview and analysis of the issues

The problem of genetic discrimination in health insurance will increase as genetic knowledge expands and the number of genetic tests proliferates. Unless appropriate legislative protections are developed and enforced, a consequence of the genetic revolution may be that more people are put at risk for losing their health insurance. The current situation requires people to make difficult choices about taking tests that could save or prolong their lives. Unless these people believe that they and their families will be adequately protected from discrimination and from the possibility of losing or being denied health insurance, many will choose not to be tested for genetic conditions or predisposition to disease. Solutions to this problem require continuing research and debate and the creation of new policies and laws that protect the people while maintaining the economic viability of insurance companies. This article explores the problem of genetic discrimination as it relates to health insurance in the United States. The goal of this article is to assist nurses and other health care professionals to better understand the important and complex issues and concepts related to genetics, genetic testing, and genetic discrimination in health insurance.