There is a lot of controversy over Genetic Testing and how it will affect a person in their job and in purchasing insurance. The Globe and Mail recently did an article on “How Genetic Testing Can be Used Against You”, and as usual I agree with a small portion of what they say.
I have been in the industry for approximately 30 years and Insurance Companies have always asked about your family history. Can they now ask that you be genetically tested? I have not heard of an Insurance Company requesting this test at this time.
There are areas that these tests can assist a patient, such as ensuring you have the gene to metabolize a drug. Patients are taking prescriptions that have side effects and a large percentage of them are unable to metabolize the drug, which means they cannot receive the full benefit of the prescription. One example for me is B12, I have been getting injections for years due to the fact I cannot process it.
To discuss Genetic Testing and how it may affect you or your ability to keep or purchase new insurance, please contact me.