Genetic information in insurance: Guiding questions for state regulation.
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| Title: | Genetic information in insurance: Guiding questions for state regulation. |
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| Authors: | Prince, Anya E. R. (AUTHOR), Eckel, Theresa (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Science. 2/26/2026, Vol. 391 Issue 6788, p872-874. 3p. |
| Subjects: | Genetic profile, State laws, Health insurance, Policy analysis, Discrimination (Sociology), Risk assessment, Insurance law |
| Abstract: | In 2008, the US Congress passed the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) to prohibit genetic discrimination in health insurance. Some early versions included life, long-term care, and disability insurers, but the final act narrowed to health insurance for political expediency. States were left to determine whether and how to fill these gaps. Insurers have argued that access to genetic information is essential to properly calculate risk. Yet, in other contexts, like gender and race or ethnicity, states have, for societal reasons, restricted insurer use of potentially predictive information (1). Many argue that immutable genetic information should be similarly restricted in part because fear of discrimination causes individuals to decline participation in genomic research and testing (2). Given these competing interests, the scope and strength of state laws vary widely (3). In anticipation of this spring's legislative sessions, we propose guiding questions for policy-makers to consider to address the public's genetic discrimination concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | In 2008, the US Congress passed the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) to prohibit genetic discrimination in health insurance. Some early versions included life, long-term care, and disability insurers, but the final act narrowed to health insurance for political expediency. States were left to determine whether and how to fill these gaps. Insurers have argued that access to genetic information is essential to properly calculate risk. Yet, in other contexts, like gender and race or ethnicity, states have, for societal reasons, restricted insurer use of potentially predictive information (1). Many argue that immutable genetic information should be similarly restricted in part because fear of discrimination causes individuals to decline participation in genomic research and testing (2). Given these competing interests, the scope and strength of state laws vary widely (3). In anticipation of this spring's legislative sessions, we propose guiding questions for policy-makers to consider to address the public's genetic discrimination concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00368075 |
| DOI: | 10.1126/science.aee2317 |
