EBSA Clarifies GINA Provisions for Insurance Providers and Group Health Plans

The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has issued guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that explains how the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) impacts employer-provided group health plans and insurance providers. Among other things, Title I of GINA prohibits group health plans and health insurance issuers from discriminating based on genetic information, and prohibits the collection of such information, including family medical history, prior to or in connection with plan enrollment or for insurance underwriting purposes. As explained in the FAQs, unlike the provisions of Title I of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that exempt very small health plans with less than two participants who are current employees, the nondiscrimination provisions of GINA apply to all group health plans.  Continue reading this entry at Littler’s Healthcare Employment Counsel.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.