How could my genetic test results affect my insurance?

Genetic test results, such as your gGap results, can open up the possibility of genetic discrimination – being treated differently by others (such as insurance companies or employers) based on your genetic test results. An example of genetic discrimination is not being able to get health insurance because your genetic test results show that you have a higher risk to get cancer than the average person. [MEA addition: Research data from this study will not be given to any insurance companies.] A federal law, called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, generally makes it illegal for health insurance companies, group health plans and most employers to discriminate against you based on your genetic information. This law generally will protect you in the following ways: 1) Health insurance companies and group health plans may not request your genetic information that Genentech obtains from this research; 2) Health insurance companies and group health plans may not use your genetic information when making decisions regarding your eligibility or premiums and 3) Employers with 15 or more employees may not use your genetic information that Genentech obtains from this research when making a decision to hire, promote or fire you or when setting the terms of your employment. Be aware that this federal law does not protect you against genetic discrimination by companies that sell life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance. View More