| 1888 Articles Home | Finance Articles | Insurance Articles | Insurance RSS |  |
||
The law changes and for once, protects employees |
||||
|
The article reminds people that the new Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prohibits health insurance companies from using family or genetic history to refuse coverage or impose adverse conditions. |
||||||||||||
| Author: David Mayer |
|
|||||||||||
Let's be completely clear. The law does not care who is asking for the information If it is going to be used for either purpose, the asking is unlawful. If this happens to you in an interview, it may pose a dilemma. If you cite the law and refuse to answer, the interviewer may think you a troublemaker with something to hide and not hire you. That you can complain to the local Department of Labor and take satisfaction in seeing a civil penalty imposed, this does not replace the offer of employment in these difficult economic times. The temptation to answer will be strong. But when it comes to insurance companies, you must stand up and assert your rights. If the insurer persists, report to your state's Department of Insurance. This will put the insurers at risk of losing their license to sell policies in your state. This is a big stick to wave in defense of your rights. More importantly, the Department can order the insurers to offer you insurance on regular terms which protects you. Once employed, it's just as important to stay alert. The operators of group health plans are known to offer incentives like lower premiums to employees who answer a questionnaire including questions about their family medical history. Obviously, insurers want to know if there is a risk of serious diseases like cancer. You might be more at risk if there is a history of cancer in your family. Everyone should refuse to answer.
The reason for the law is important. Genetic tests are increasingly important in diagnosis and deciding on the best treatment for medical problems. Too many patients were refusing these tests because they feared discrimination should their employers or health insurance companies learn of the results. The medical profession strongly supported this change in employment and insurance law. Doctors want to be able to make an accurate diagnosis which means using the best available tests. With this law in place, your rights should be protected. If you are considering a change in insurer, remember you cannot be discriminated against when the companies give you health insurance quotes. They must always be able to prove their quotes are close to the average for people of your age, gender and general social background. If you think you are being victimized, complain.
About Author
David Mayer has shared his vision and professional opinion on a vast array of topics and http://www.health-insurance-mate.com/the-law-changes.html is one of the sites where you can read more of David Mayer's contributions.
Article Source:
http://www.1888articles.com/author-david-mayer-16158.html
Other Related Articles Care of Porcelain Veneers by Sara Goldstein Avoid accidents during the winter by David Mayer The law changes and for once, protects employees by David Mayer Shopping around really does save you money by David Mayer Arizona Life Insurance by David Mayer Main discounts on auto insurance by David Mayer |
