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U.S. law protects people from employment and health insurance discrimination based on genetic information.
Genetic information includes results of genetic tests, participation in genetic research, and the use of genetic services.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 states that – based on genetic information – it is illegal for:
In addition, a health insurance company or employer cannot require someone to get a genetic test.
The law does not protect people against possible discrimination by life insurance, long-term care insurance, or disability insurance companies. For this reason, it is possible that these types of insurance companies might ask about your genetic information. And, they might use this information to decide whether or not to provide coverage.
The law does not include protection for members of the U.S. military, Veterans Administration, Indian Health Service, and federal employees. These groups already have similar protections in place.
GINA does not protect people against possible discrimination by insurance companies based on the presence of a certain medical condition, such as cancer.
Reviewed: June 2018