15.9 Health Basics

Individual Underwriting by the Insurer

Genetic Testing

Genetic screening or testing refers to laboratory testing of an individual’s genes or chromosomes to identify abnormalities, defects, or deficiencies associated with physical or mental disorders, impairments, or a predisposition to illness, disease, or other medical conditions.

No public insurer, public employee benefit plan, or government self-insurer may use information obtained through genetic screening or testing when evaluating an application or determining insurability under an individual or group sickness and accident insurance policy or public employee benefit plan.

No public insurer, public employee benefit plan, or government self-insurer may request information regarding the results of genetic screening or testing, nor may they use such information to cancel coverage, deny coverage, limit benefits, or determine premium rates for a sickness and accident insurance policy or public employee benefit plan.