Genome Mapping: Implications for Health and Life Insurance

This project will examine the moral basis of, and legal and policy framework for, health and life insurance in light of the increase that the HGP is expected to generate in genetic screening capacity to predict disease, disability, and premature death. A core group of 12 experts from ethics, law, regulation, business economics, actuary science, medicine, and genetics has been assembled. The group will first analyze the numerous unresolved issues in this field, and each member will prepare a paper on an aspect of the topic. Through a discussion of these and other sources of information and evaluation, the group will draft guidelines for the insurance industry and policy makers on the appropriate use of genetic screening in health and life insurance, balancing the needs of insurers with individual's interests in affordable insurance, right to privacy, etc. The research papers and guidelines will be presented and discussed at a national meeting, then modified and disseminated.