What is one of the primary consequences of genetic discrimination in healthcare?

What is one of the primary consequences of genetic discrimination in healthcare?

• A. Improved access to insurance coverage
• B. Higher costs of care
• C. Disparities in insurance coverage
• D. Equal treatment for all genetic conditions

Answer: (C)

Genetic discrimination in healthcare can have significant repercussions, particularly when it comes to disparities in insurance coverage. Children or individuals with genetic predispositions to certain conditions may face challenges in obtaining or retaining health insurance. Insurers might classify individuals based on their genetic information and, as a result, could charge higher premiums or deny coverage altogether. This practice leads to unequal treatment by creating scenarios where some patients are at a disadvantage simply due to their genetic background. Such discrimination can perpetuate existing health inequities, making access to care and necessary treatments more difficult for those at risk. The other options do not align with the realities of genetic discrimination. For example, improved access to insurance coverage would be contrary to the effects of discrimination, and higher costs of care might be a consequence of other systemic issues rather than directly tied to genetic discrimination. Moreover, equal treatment for all genetic conditions misunderstands the nature of discrimination, as it suggests a level playing field that is not typically observed in practice. Thus, understanding the impact of genetic discrimination on insurance coverage is crucial as it highlights the broader implications for healthcare equity and access.

Genetic discrimination in healthcare can have significant repercussions, particularly when it comes to disparities in insurance coverage. Children or individuals with genetic predispositions to certain conditions may face challenges in obtaining or retaining health insurance. Insurers might classify individuals based on their genetic information and, as a result, could charge higher premiums or deny coverage altogether. This practice leads to unequal treatment by creating scenarios where some patients are at a disadvantage simply due to their genetic background. Such discrimination can perpetuate existing health inequities, making access to care and necessary treatments more difficult for those at risk.

The other options do not align with the realities of genetic discrimination. For example, improved access to insurance coverage would be contrary to the effects of discrimination, and higher costs of care might be a consequence of other systemic issues rather than directly tied to genetic discrimination. Moreover, equal treatment for all genetic conditions misunderstands the nature of discrimination, as it suggests a level playing field that is not typically observed in practice. Thus, understanding the impact of genetic discrimination on insurance coverage is crucial as it highlights the broader implications for healthcare equity and access.