How the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 applies to people with sickle cell disease

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 focuses on protecting people from genetic discrimination. One of the provisions of the Act is prohibiting individual and group health insurers from using an individual’s genetic information in establishing premiums or eligibility. It also prohibits health insurers from requiring and requesting people to undergo genetic testing to gather genetic data for underwriting persons. This provision applies to the discrimination of people with sickle cell disease because they can access healthcare insurance without being denied access. Before the Act was enacted, people with sickle cell disease had difficulty accessing healthcare insurance because they are vulnerable to various illnesses and require a constant supply of medication such as painkillers, thus increasing costs for insurers. Employers such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association also require players to take a genetic test (Duru, 2012). The other provision of the Act prohibits employers from using an individual’s genetic data to make decisions such as firing, hiring, terms of employment, and issuing tasks in the workplace. This provision applies to people with sickle cell disease discrimination because they are often denied employment or given unfavorable employment terms because of their health condition. For instance, Duru (2012) states that the National Collegiate Athletic Association offers players with sickle cell disease shorter or less attractive contracts.

How clients, families, and communities could benefit from your recommendations

I would recommend holding institutions accountable for racism and discrimination against people with sickle cell disease. The public should be made aware of the actions taken against institutions tolerating discrimination of people with sickle cell disease and those exercising white privilege because it is often related to sickle cell disease. I would also recommend ensuring that organizations have policies and procedures accommodating people with sickle cell disease. This includes; ensuring that they are only assigned tasks that are less tedious and requiring them to take a break after taking pain medication. Communities could benefit from this recommendation because they would experience peaceful coexistence due to the elimination of discrimination. Clients could benefit by working in a conducive environment that does not discriminate against them because of their genetics. Families could benefit by getting peace of mind by getting assurance that their loved ones are not being discriminated against in the workplace.

Thank you for your time and unmatched commitment, and will to serve all Americans.

Sincerely,