Gay Mitchell
Question:271 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the implications of genetic testing and the code to be operated by the insurance industry (details supplied). [25680/00]
Written Answers. - Genetic Testing.
My Department supports the concept and value of genetic testing as an important service to patients in the correct circumstances and would be gravely concerned about any interventions which would effectively prevent this service being availed of.
While the regulation of the general insurance industry is primarily a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I have responsibility for the regulation of the common good aspects of the private health insurance market. Section 7(2) of the Health Insurance Act, 1994, states that "premiums payable under health insurance contracts shall not be varied by reference to " ... the suffering or prospective suffering of a person from a chronic disease, illness or medical condition". Section 8 provides for open enrolment and prohibits insurers terminating or refusing to renew a health insurance contract except in prescribed circumstances. The Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2000, which is currently on Second Stage in the House, retains in full the prohibition on taking genetic testing into account in determining health insurance premiums and the relevant open enrolment provisions contained in the 1994 Act.