Anonymous wrote:Ironically, this is the GOP - now the big brother party - sponsoring the legislation.

I suspect this dies a quick death when they realize this would apply to them, too. No way to spin this to apply to only the poor, colored, or obese.

Anonymous wrote:The Genetic Act is frightening. I am avoiding genetic testing. I am suppose to get tested for cancer genes because a sibling has the gene. NO WAY now. If this passes, I won't be covered.

As for the wellness programs, employers are trying not to cover obesity related costs.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you pay for genetic testing out-of-pocket, then the insurance company won't find out the results.

Anonymous wrote:Who would voluntarily submit this information?

I'm supportive of requiring higher premiums for life style choices such as smoking, obesity, and not getting preventative care but genetic screening is a horrible invasion of privacy.

Well hey, you know, it's your choice to be born with bad genetics, just like your choice to be born poor or a minority or whatever. Should've worked that out before conception if you wanted a better deal. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Anonymous wrote:wow who is sponsoring this and what industry group is behind it? you'd think some conservatives with libertarian leanings would be upset.

agree. follow the money....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wow who is sponsoring this and what industry group is behind it? you'd think some conservatives with libertarian leanings would be upset.

They are spineless or fraudulent libertarians and conservatives. The only time they get upset about invasion of privacy or big intrusive government is when Dems are involved.

Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5] (Introduced 03/02/2017)



https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1313

Co Sponosrs

Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-7]* 03/02/2017
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21] 03/07/2017
Rep. Mitchell, Paul [R-MI-10] 03/07/2017

Everyone needs to share this on FB. Or at least like and comment on the articles relating to it. (I find my opposite side friends like to spy on my "likes").

Unbelievable!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wow who is sponsoring this and what industry group is behind it? you'd think some conservatives with libertarian leanings would be upset.

They are spineless or fraudulent libertarians and conservatives. The only time they get upset about invasion of privacy or big intrusive government is when Dems are involved.

Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5] (Introduced 03/02/2017)



https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1313

Anonymous wrote:wow who is sponsoring this and what industry group is behind it? you'd think some conservatives with libertarian leanings would be upset.

They are spineless or fraudulent libertarians and conservatives. The only time they get upset about invasion of privacy or big intrusive government is when Dems are involved.

Ironically, this is the GOP - now the big brother party - sponsoring the legislation.

Who would voluntarily submit this information?

I'm supportive of requiring higher premiums for life style choices such as smoking, obesity, and not getting preventative care but genetic screening is a horrible invasion of privacy.

I've been considering genetic testing for my health issues. Guess this answers that question. I guess ignorance is smarter than knowledge.

Anonymous wrote:wow who is sponsoring this and what industry group is behind it? you'd think some conservatives with libertarian leanings would be upset.

not as long as they can monetize it....

wow who is sponsoring this and what industry group is behind it? you'd think some conservatives with libertarian leanings would be upset.

The Genetic Act is frightening. I am avoiding genetic testing. I am suppose to get tested for cancer genes because a sibling has the gene. NO WAY now. If this passes, I won't be covered.

As for the wellness programs, employers are trying not to cover obesity related costs.

On March 8, the House Education and the Workforce Committee approved The Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R. 1313), which will create holes to the protection provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

The bill could be folded into a second ACA related measure to be introduced later this year.

Here is my quick summary of the issues associated with H.R. 1313 (I encourage everyone to do some research so that they can reach their own conclusions):

1. Employers would be permitted to ask employees to "voluntarily" participate in wellness programs that would require employees to provide genetic information about themselves and their family members (i.e., employee may be asked to submit to genetic testing and to provide medical histories for family members).

2. Employer would be permitted to charge an employee 30 to 50 percent more for health insurance if the employee declines to participate in a "voluntary" wellness program.

3. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act's requirement that employees' genetic information collected through a workplace wellness program only be shared with health care professionals would no longer apply. It has been suggested companies that run such wellness programs will be permitted to sell this data.

Nancy Cox, president of the American Society of Human Genetics, in a letter to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce summed up the problem with H.R. 1313: “It would allow employers to ask employees invasive questions about … genetic tests they and their families have undergone” and “to impose stiff financial penalties on employees who choose to keep such information private, thus empowering employers to coerce their employees” into providing their genetic information.