The very idea that the human genome might be used to underwrite health care insurance was enough to prompt the government to pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007.

The human genome is stored on 24 different chromosomes; 22 are autosomal chromosomes, and the last two relate to gender.  Amazingly, the entire human genome has a data size of approximately 750 megabytes, which is just a bit larger that the capacity of a compact disc.  Using information available about a person's DNA to determine what group a person should be in and what contribution should be required for a health plan now falls under strict, federally-mandated regulations. While insurance companies may ask for such information under certain conditions, they must now follow strict guidelines in order to do so. In addition, the information to which they are entitled is only the minimum needed to assess claim payment.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 prohibits a group health plan from making adjustments to premiums or contributions for groups based on their genetic information.   This Act specifically tells group health plans they cannot request or require a person or family member to undergo a genetic test.  However, the prohibition does not limit the authority of a health care professional to ask a person to undergo genetic testing.

Further provisions include that a group health plan may ask, but not require, a person or beneficiary to have a genetic test for research purposes – only if certain requirements are met.  Those requirements—the insurance company must make it clear that any compliance with their request is voluntary, and that those who don't comply won't be penalized relating to their enrollment status or contribution amounts.  Further, the health plan is not allowed to use any genetic information collected for underwriting purposes.  

Group health plans of any size are also not allowed to ask, require or buy genetic information for any person prior to their enrollment into a health plan.

To learn more visit: http://www.grouphealthflorida.com