Victory for HR 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) (as of 3:02 pm EST Apr 24, 2008)

HR 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed in the House 420 to 3 and today unanimously passed the Senate in a vote of 95 to 0.   The bill,  H.R.493 prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment.  The bill provisions:

• Prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating based on genetic information
• Insurers may not deny coverage or raise premiums based on genetic information
• Forbids discrimination against anyone based on personal or familial genetic information
• Prohibits labor organizations from denying membership based on genetic information
• Prohibits the disclosure or purchase of genetic information by health plans and insurers.

This legislation will now go to the President who has stated he will sign it and therefore become law.

 

This legislation was  first introduced back in 1997.  The HHT Foundation has signed onto every petition and letter recommending the passage of this bill.  This is a monumental accomplishment and a huge accomplishment for all HHT families!