Genes to Determine Insurance Coverage!

Implications: Gene research may be a double edged sword!Will HIPPA apply to genetic testing!

Analysis: What was long thought to be something to simply help medical research & treat medical problems is coming under strict scrutiny. Insurance companies are of the opinion this information can help better price insurance coverage. What may really be the case is that this information may help insurance companies better predict risks not to cover, taking the true concept of risk transfer out of the equation.  Another possible attempt at maximizing profits, by minimizing possible exposure.  Would this translate into lower insurance rates, one doubts it?  The question becomes should the information in this research be held confidential & not required to be disclosed for things like insurance applications.  What next, disclosure to employers for possible job opportunities, adoption proceedings, marriage contracts, etc!  Congress seems to be taking a solid approach to this type of genetic testing, disclosure should remain confidential. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_Information_Nondiscrimination_Ac  The next question is once you find out you have a genetic disposition to an ailment should you be required to disclose it, or is this creating unequal bargaining power allowing some to go out & get insurance on something they already know would not be covered?  The true double edged sword!