| Michaud Praises House Passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act |
| Wednesday, April 30 2008 | |
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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud praised House passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which would prohibit health insurance companies and employers from discriminating against people on the basis of genetic test results. Passage of the bill today clears the measure for the president to sign it into law. "Passage of this bill is a long time in the making," said Michaud. "By prohibiting the improper use of genetic information, Americans no longer have to fear any consequences from the life-saving potentials of genetic testing." GINA will prevent health insurers from canceling, denying, refusing to renew, or changing the terms or premiums of coverage based solely on a genetic predisposition toward a specific disease. GINA also bars employers from using an individual's genetic information when making hiring, firing, promotion, and other employment-related decisions. |