GENETIC ALLIANCE INC

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act [H.R. 493, S. 358] is a bill that will prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. It was introduced to establish basic legal protections that will enable and encourage individuals to take advantage of genetic screening, counseling, testing, and new therapies that will result from the scientific advances in the field of genetics. It would also prevent health insurers from denying coverage or adjusting premiums based on an individual's predisposition to a genetic condition, and prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of predictive genetic information. Additionally, such legislation would stop both employers and insurers from requiring applicants to submit to genetic tests, maintain strict use and disclosure requirements of genetic test information, and impose penalties against employers and insurers who violate these provisions. As leaders of the Coalition for Genetic Fairness, Genetic Alliance is working to ensure that no one is discriminated against--in health insurance or employment--based on their genetic information. We believe that education of legislators, passage of reasonable legislation and implementation of balanced regulation will speed the translation of research to treatments and the marketplace. The persuasive voices of consumer groups and advocacy organizations, in concert with other key stakeholders, can facilitate these critical elements. We are working diligently to build support for the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act in the community and in Congress.

Client expense: — · Firm income: —

Matched citations: H.R. 493

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act [H.R. 493, S. 358] is a bill that will prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. It was introduced to establish basic legal protections that will enable and encourage individuals to take advantage of genetic screening, counseling, testing, and new therapies that will result from the scientific advances in the field of genetics. It would also prevent health insurers from denying coverage or adjusting premiums based on an individual's predisposition to a genetic condition, and prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of predictive genetic information. Additionally, such legislation would stop both employers and insurers from requiring applicants to submit to genetic tests, maintain strict use and disclosure requirements of genetic test information, and impose penalties against employers and insurers who violate these provisions. As leaders of the Coalition for Genetic Fairness, Genetic Alliance is working to ensure that no one is discriminated against--in health insurance or employment--based on their genetic information. We believe that education of legislators, passage of reasonable legislation and implementation of balanced regulation will speed the translation of research to treatments and the marketplace. The persuasive voices of consumer groups and advocacy organizations, in concert with other key stakeholders, can facilitate these critical elements. We are working diligently to build support for the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act in the community and in Congress.

Client expense: — · Firm income: —

Matched citations: S. 358