Improved genetic testing: a new impetus toward universal coverage.
As the Human Genome Project increases the predictive power of human genetics, emerging gene chip technology and other advances of genetic testing will give more information to people about their genetic predilections. If insurance companies were allowed to use this information, they would set premiums such that many who need life-saving medical treatment would have no access to it. Americans would not accept this disparity; instead, genetic information will likely remain private, making the modern health insurance system unprofitable for companies and thus pushing the United States towards a universal health care system in the near future.
Sureka
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Northwestern University Medical School. ashish@princeton.edu.
D030661:Genetic Privacy; D005820:Genetic Testing; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D015273:Insurance Selection Bias; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000639:trends; D011640:Public Policy; D012922:Social Change; D014481:United States; D019472:Universal Health Insurance