Disparities in Prenatal Carrier Screening Including Partner Testing by Insurance Status

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Prenatal genetic screening advances improve fetal condition detection.
• Utilization disparities in prenatal genetic testing persist.
• Insurance payor status may influence testing access and timing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if prenatal genetic testing implementation and timing differs by insurance payor status.
• To investigate differences in partner testing based on insurance.
• To identify potential disparities in prenatal genetic care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of pregnant patients (n=201) delivering in 2024.
• Stratification by clinic site: resident clinic (publicly insured) vs. faculty practices (privately insured).
• Statistical comparison of gestational age at visit and testing, screening completion, and partner testing.

Main Results:

• Publicly insured patients had later gestational age at initial visit and genetic testing.
• Preconception screening was more common in privately insured patients.
• Publicly insured patients showed lower screening completion and longer delays in partner testing.

Conclusions:

• Publicly insured patients face delayed prenatal genetic testing and reduced partner testing.
• Lower screening completion rates observed in publicly insured individuals.
• Strategies are essential to ensure equitable and timely access to prenatal genetic testing.