title: Underwriting lethal genetic diseases.
abstract: There are thousands of single gene deposits that cause increased morbidity or mortality risks. Few have complete penetrance leading to certain death. Most can be underwritten with affordable increases in premium; many at standard rates. As we learn more about penetrance for specific mutations we can learn to be more aggressive in underwriting inherited risks. I have described approaches to underwriting untested applicants to Huntington disease, and tested applicants who carry dominant mutations leading to breast, ovarian and colon cancer.
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Lowden
mesh_terms: D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality; D014481:United States