Matheson: Threat of Genetic Discrimination Halted by Bill Passage

Washington D.C.—Congressman Jim Matheson said that the promise of personalized medicine for Utah families may now be realized, free from threatened discrimination from insurance companies and employers.  Matheson supported today’s House passage of the Senate-amended HR 493 – the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.  Matheson is a cosponsor of the legislation.  The original measure passed the House last year.

“None of us are perfect specimens.  Each of us carries numerous genetic ‘glitches’ that could increase our risk of developing one disease or another.  If that is used against anyone —either to preclude getting a genetic test, or medical coverage for a future health condition—health and quality of life suffers,” said Matheson.  “That is why I believe this bill offers critical protection—protection which is overdue.”

Matheson noted that the mapping of the human genome has provided powerful new tools to understand the genetic basis of—and potential treatment for—disease.  But he said witnesses before the Health subcommittee on which he sits testified that many people are afraid that their genetic information will be used against them.  They are unwilling to participate in medical research, or even get tests that could warn them of future illness, such as diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer’s.

Matheson said the legislation prohibits private insurance or group health plans from discriminating on the basis of genetic information; extends medical privacy rules to the disclosure of genetic information; makes it illegal for employers not to hire someone based on genetic data and prohibits collection and disclosure of such data.

“Halting the threat of genetic discrimination is an important step for everyone who wants to pursue the tremendous promise this research has for all of us,” said Matheson.

 

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