On Wednesday, April 25, 2007, by a vote of 420-3, the House passed legislation that would make it unlawful for group health insurers or employers to discriminate against individuals based on their genetic information or test results. The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 493) would prevent group health plans from adjusting premiums on the basis of genetic information, would not allow the insurer to require genetic testing, and would not allow the collection of genetic information for purposes of underwriting.
As evidenced by the vote totals, this bill has widespread support. However, as it is considered in the Senate, NAHU is working with coalition partners to ensure that the language passed does not have a negative impact on the ability to medically underwrite health insurance coverage as they do currently. To that end, on behalf of the association, Janet Trautwein provided oral and written testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on this topic in March.
