Q: Is the TheraGuide 5-FU™ test covered by insurance?
A: As with our other tests, we expect to have excellent insurance coverage over time.
Q: Does Myriad provide any assistance in dealing with insurance coverage or payment?
A: Myriad offers a Patient Protection Program to protect patients undergoing chemotherapy from unexpected financial liability due to limited insurance coverage during the introductory phase of the TheraGuide 5-FU™ launch. Please call our Customer Service Specialists at 1-800-469-7423 for more details.
Q: Is genetic discrimination prohibited by law?
A: Yes. A number of federal and state laws prohibit insurance discrimination to various degrees. The Health Insurance Portability Protection Act (HIPAA) recognizes genetic information as Protected Health Information (PHI) and specifies protection for the confidentiality of PHI. HIPAA also provides restrictions on health-related information in making coverage decisions and in setting premiums by group health insurers, although HIPAA does not provide such restrictions for non-group plans. HIPAA further states that genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. In the federal government, executive departments and agencies are prohibited by executive order from using protected genetic information as a basis for employment decisions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has interpreted the Americans with Disabilities act to provide some additional protections from the use of genetic information by employers. Many states have enacted additional protections against genetic discrimination in health insurance or employment or both. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is currently awaiting final approval in the US Senate, to complete broad protection of genetic information.
Q: Who can gain access to my genetic test results?
A: Genetic test results are strictly confidential. Myriad only releases test results to the provider who ordered the test. Even when an insurance plan pays for testing, the insurer does not receive the results. Under no circumstances will Myriad release results to any party other than the provider who ordered the test without the written consent of that patient.