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15 J. Ins. Regul. 3 (1996-1997)

handle is hein.journals/jloins15 and id is 1 raw text is: Introduction to Symposium on Genetic Testing and Insurance Carolyn Johnson* The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), rep- resenting the combined interests of the 55 insurance regulators who are its members, has discussed topics over the years that have been very important to insurers and to the consumers the regulators are charged to protect. Few have the potential for long-term impact as does the subject of genetic testing. When the NAIC discussed the issue at a recent meeting, Brian Atchinson, the NAIC president said implications of genetic testing are vast and we are just now begin- ning to understand them. Then, just when we think we have our arms around this issue, it changes shape and escapes us. The NAIC Studies the Issue A charge to consider the issue was given to the NAIC's Life Insurance (A) Committee in 1994. The working group appointed to review the issue began with two overriding concerns: First, consumers with a genetic disease or the potential for a condition that might develop as a result of a genetic predisposition need to be protected. Consid- eration needs to be given to whether the public policy needs to be different for life insurance, for health insurance, and for other types of coverage. Regulators need to consider whether they can or should create an entitlement to life insurance, health insurance or other types of coverage. Second, the solvency of companies must be pro- * Senior Counsel and Model Laws Coordinator, National Association of In- surance Commissioners