On April 24, 2008 the U.S. Senate passed the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) by a vote of 95-0. The Heart Rhythm Society is pleased with this outcome and looks forward to the House of Representatives passing and the President signing the bill into law. The Society, as a member of the Coalition for Genetic Fairness, had lobbied for passage of this bill.

S.358 protects Americans from discrimination by health insurers or employers based on genetic information by:

• Prohibiting group health plans and issuers offering coverage on the group or individual market from basing eligibility determinations or adjusting premiums or contributions on the basis of genetic information. They cannot request, require or purchase the results of genetic tests or disclose genetic information.
• Prohibiting issuers of Medigap policies from adjusting pricing or conditioning eligibility on the basis of genetic information. They cannot request, require or purchase the results of genetic tests or disclose genetic information.
• Prohibiting employers from firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise discriminating with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment. Employers cannot request, require or purchase the results of genetic tests or disclose genetic information. Similar provisions apply to employment agencies and labor organizations.

This bill will ensure that individuals with a family history of genetically caused arrhythmias will not be discouraged from receiving genetic testing or in enrolling in clinical trials, allowing for better prediction of possible arrhythmias and prevention of sudden cardiac arrest.

Visit our Legislative Action Center to thank your Senator for supporting GINA.