Q: Are the genetic tests offered by Myriad covered by
insurance?
A: Most health insurance plans pay for these tests.
Myriad Genetic Laboratories provides a service for people who want to
know if genetic testing for specific cancers is covered by their plans.
Call the Myriad Customer Service Department at 800-469-7423 for more
details about the reimbursement process.
Q: Does Myriad provide any assistance in dealing with
insurance coverage or payment?
A: After Myriad receives your sample from your physician
with a completed and signed Test Request Form authorizing Myriad to contact
your insurer as well as legible photocopies of the front and back of your
insurance card, Myriad will work with your healthcare provider’s office and
insurance company to obtain any necessary authorizations, referrals and
in-network waivers. If your estimated coinsurance is expected to exceed $375,
or testing is not a covered benefit, Myriad will contact you prior to releasing
your sample into the testing process. Myriad will submit bills directly to
insurance carriers and will appeal and resubmit claims if necessary.
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 doctor who ordered the
test. Even when insurance plans pay for testing, the insurer does
not receive the results. Under no circumstances will Myriad give
patient results to any party other than the ordering health care
provider without the written consent of the patient.
