Genetic Discrimination

Sample Solution

      Genetic discrimination is defined as the use of someone’s genetic information to make decisions about their health insurance coverage or other services. It can be used by insurers when selecting applicants and determining premiums, which can result in unfair outcomes for individuals based on the presence of a certain genetic condition. This type of

discrimination has become increasingly prevalent with advances in genetics and genomic science, leading to questions about what protections should be put in place to ensure equal access to insurance coverage regardless of one’s personal medical history. The potential for insurers to use genetic information when deciding whether or not an applicant will receive coverage creates an ethical dilemma due to its discriminatory nature. On one hand, providing necessary coverage could ensure that individuals with conditions such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease are able to receive the care they need despite their preexisting conditions. On the other hand, it could lead to higher premiums for those who have certain genes that could increase their risk for developing certain diseases over time. In addition, if insurers deny coverage altogether based solely on genetic predispositions, this would create additional hurdles for those already facing financial constraints as a result of disability due to illness/injury . To address these issues within the insurance industry, various government agencies and healthcare organizations have developed guidelines and regulations on how gene-based information can be used by providers. For example, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits employers from using this information when making decisions regarding hiring practices or determining employee benefits packages. Similarly, The Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits health plans from denying applications based on pre-existing medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes; however it does not explicitly include protection against denial due purely to “genetic testing results." As such, there is still room for improvement within existing policies related specifically protecting consumers against genetic discrimination by insurers pertaining directly towards receiving healthcare services through private companies. In conclusion, although existing laws provide some protection against genetically motivated bias in regards employment opportunities and access healthcare services through public programs; more needs done at both state and federal levels protect individuals from unjustified denials based on their genetics alone when dealing with private companies providing health insurance plans . Doing so would ensure that everyone has equitable access regardless of any preexisting conditions they may have – ultimately creating a fairer system overall..