INSURANCE

A recent report has been issued demonstrating over 200 cases of discrimination by insurance companies against people with genetic dispositions towards disease.

Some insurance companies have been using medical records and clinical test results to deny or cancel various forms of health insurance, both personal and familial, on the grounds that the applicants have genetic sequences which predispose them, or their family, to a disease.

Critics say that the report is based on anecdotal evidence, however, concern about the abuse of genetic information is growing. Although antidiscrimination legislations are in place in several states, the extent of such laws is variable.

Generally, where federal and state laws are concerned, the "primary goal of legislation is to eliminate pre-existing conditions and increase portability so that one move the insurance coverage from one job to another". However, since life and disability insurances are more an option, companies, in insuring individuals, are likely to use all rather than selected medical information.

Although most discrimination today is based upon medical records, DNA testing is just around the corner, and legislatures are having a hard time trying to figure out what is going to constitute a suitable level of restriction against discrimination by insurance companies, and privacy of information for the public.

During May 1996, the National Mental Health Association will celebrate National Mental Health Month. With all the different disorders, mental illness is the most prevalent health problem in America today. However, despite the prevalence, many people who experience some form of mental disorder will not receive the appropriate treatment since their health care policies deny or restrict such coverage. In the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic Survey, the Employee Benefits of Medium and Large Firms, 95 percent of health insurance plans surveyed limit out-patient coverage for patients with mental disorders. Additionally, 34 percent allowed fewer out-patient visits per year for mental disorders than for other illnesses and 66 percent imposed special maximum dollar limits on out-patient visits.

It is argued that since mental disorders are more common than cancer, lung and heart disease combined, the risk assessment is therefore much greater, and consequently coverage should be limited. However, counter to this is the fact that mental illnesses respond to treatment with recovery rates as high or higher than many other illnesses, consequently coverage should enjoy the same limitations as for other medical conditions.