Effects of Restricting Insurers' Use of Genetic Info

About a dozen states have enacted laws restricting health insurers' use of genetic test information, and a new federal law declares that asymptomatic genetic predisposition to illness does not constitute a pre-existing condition. This project will evaluate the effects of these laws in 6 states using a qualitative, comparative, case study methodology. Three states with laws restricting insurers' use of genetic information will be matched with 3 comparable states that lack these laws. This multiple case study will consist of a mix of qualitative and quantitative data sources and analytical methods: (1) structured, in-depth, open-ended interviews of key informants by expert interviewers, (2) participant observational studies of insurance agents, (3) content analysis of sales literature and news articles, and (4) statistical analyses of archival documents and secondary data. The primary interview subjects will be health insurers, insurance regulators, insurance agents, patient advocacy groups, and clinicians. The results of this investigation will inform lawmakers, purchasers, and the public policy community whether and how these laws have achieved their intended purposes or caused any negative consequences, and how these laws might be strengthened or improved.