Paul J. Petruska, M.D., SLUCare oncologist, said the issue has come to the forefront after researchers found genes in women that are associated with a statistically increased risk of breast cancer. The bill is still fairly new, with its first reading taking place in mid-February. The regulation specifically tells insurance companies that they cannot discriminate against a person by limiting coverage or raising premiums on the basis of the person testing positive for any genetic defects that are known to be the cause of a disease or disorder. But right now, the catch is if the insurance company sees that you tested positive, they can exempt you and claim it as a pre-existing condition. This bill will help regulate insurance companies so they couldn't hold this test against you as far as insurance coverage.
Genetic testing is still very new.
SLUCare s oncology division does offer testing for the breast cancer genes, known as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, as part of a research protocol. Dr. Petruska said he also hopes this legislation will make insurance companies pay for the testing because it is expensive. Only a handful of states have passed laws or are considering similar legislation. So far, the bill has gained support from the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. Dr. Petruska is professor of internal medicine and interim director of the division of bone marrow transplantation, oncology and hematology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.