Insurance refusal for genetic conditions

Tue, 06 Mar 2007

According to the results of a recent survey in America, people who have two particular genetic diseases are less likely to be granted health insurance cover when compared to people suffering from other chronic conditions.

The report indicates that people who have sickle cell disease, or cystic fibrosis, are up to twice as likely to be denied private medical insurance . The lead investigator of the study, Dr. Nancy Kass, commented to Reuters Health that: "All persons with chronic medical conditions should be legitimately concerned about access to health insurance, but individuals with genetic conditions may have additional reasons to worry."

She continued: "As we spoke to family after family, it became clear that people with all types of medical conditions are quite worried about access to health insurance and they make life changes in order to preserve their access to insurance . People with genetic conditions may face additional challenges, however, and that is worth further examination."

The study reveals some important findings that have relevance for global medical insurance consumers. Kass concluded: "Something seems fundamentally wrong with a system of health coverage that makes it hardest for people with serious health problems (to get) the care that they need."
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