Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), is a set of rules that was made to help protect people from being discriminated against because of their genes or DNA. This law was created to make sure that people are not treated unfairly or badly because of their family medical history or genetic data. It's important to know that our genes tell us a lot about ourselves, including our risk for certain diseases and illnesses.
GINA helps to protect people from being denied health insurance coverage or being fired from their job, based on their genetic information. For example, if someone has a gene that shows they might have a higher risk for certain types of cancer, insurance companies can't use that information to charge higher premiums, deny coverage, or limit benefits. It's the same with employment; employers can't use genetic information to make hiring or firing decisions or to set job terms.
GINA applies to all Americans, regardless of their age, gender, race, or ethnicity. It’s critical that people know their genetic information is private and confidential, and they are protected by law from any discrimination based on what those genes may say about their health.
GINA helps to protect people from being denied health insurance coverage or being fired from their job, based on their genetic information. For example, if someone has a gene that shows they might have a higher risk for certain types of cancer, insurance companies can't use that information to charge higher premiums, deny coverage, or limit benefits. It's the same with employment; employers can't use genetic information to make hiring or firing decisions or to set job terms.
GINA applies to all Americans, regardless of their age, gender, race, or ethnicity. It’s critical that people know their genetic information is private and confidential, and they are protected by law from any discrimination based on what those genes may say about their health.