BRCA and future insurance?

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3boyz2keep
3boyz2keep Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone,

I'm contemplating BRCA testing (Mom dx 45, Grandmother dx 53) but my radiologist mentioned the possbility of results possibly affecting my ability to get future insurance.  Has anyone had this discussion w/genetic counselor, doctor, etc..?  Just curious what your info has been.

Michelle 

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  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited August 2008

    Michelle, a law was just passed and signed in May called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080526152654.htm

    It's supposed to prevent the kind of problem your radiologist mentioned -- but apparently it won't be in full force for health insurance until 12 months after signing, or 18 months for employment discrimination.  So you might want to wait until June 2009 to get tested -- at least that's my understanding of the law.

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited August 2008

    Met with geneticist this week.  She said that most states already have laws protecting insured from discrimination based on genetic testing.  GINA takes effect in May of 2009.  The main advice she gave me regarding insurance was to make sure you obtain life insurance before testing.  Life insurance does not work like health insurance.

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  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited August 2008

    Thanks mommy... I'll keep that in mind.

    My genetic tests are already done, but in Europe. If I move to the US, Î'll keep it to myself...

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  • 3boyz2keep
    3boyz2keep Member Posts: 13
    edited August 2008

    Thanks to everyone for their response.

    I just received the good news of a B9 MRI- the wait for the results were excrutiating- I am resolved to get genetic testing- I want to be in the drivers seat on this one.  Don't know if I can go through the wait again, it was unbelievably difficult.

    Thanks again,

    Michelle 

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