Genetic-bias legislation flying through Congress

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers have agreed to make it illegal for employers and insurance companies to deny applicants jobs and health-care coverage because DNA tests show they are genetically disposed to a disease.

Supporters of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act said Wednesday that the Senate planned to vote on it today. The House also is likely to give quick approval to the bill, sending it to President Bush for his signature.

A similar bill passed the House by a 420-3 vote a year ago. The White House, at the time, indicated its support for the legislation.

Sponsors reached an agreement Tuesday with Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who had been blocking Senate action on the bill.

The compromise tightens language to ensure there is a "firewall" between the part dealing with health plans and the section regarding employment, in order to discourage inappropriate claims.

It also makes clear that, while individuals are protected from discrimination based on genetic predisposition, insurance companies still have the right to base coverage and pricing on the actual presence of a disease.

Sens. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Reps. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, D-N.Y., have been pushing the issue for years.

The legislation forbids sponsors of health coverage from requesting or using genetic information to adjust premiums or to determine eligibility. It also would prohibit employers from using genetic information in hiring, firing, assignment or promotion decisions.