How would you resolve this dilemma?
I. In today's economy it is very important to contain or reduce the cost of health care. I would revise the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act so that employers are allowed to ask about family health history.
2. If we allow companies to ask about family medical history, they will use that information to discriminate against people. I would reinforce the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and punish companies that ask questions about family medical history.
3. We cannot allow health-care costs to skyrocket; something must be done. That said, we should not allow discrimination based on one's family history. I would keep the law but exempt wellness programs from any regulations about collecting information about family medical history.
4. Invent other options. Discuss.
Companies generally consider the costs and benefits associated with their strategies in order to be successful. This dilemma involves the conflict between a company's desire to decrease health-care costs by encouraging employees to attend wellness classes and an employee's desire for privacy. "Many employers offer workers cash incentives to fill out health surveys and some use that information to offer health advice or direct at-risk employees to disease-management programs,'' says a Wall Street Journal story. "But the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which took effect [in 2009], restricts employers' and health insurers' ability to collect and disclose genetic information. That includes not only genetic-test results, but family medical history, too. "Some employers say the law is stymieing their efforts to promote employee wellness because it bars them from offering worker financial incentives to complete health surveys that ask about family history. Generally, the Jaw prohibits insurers and employers from using genetic information for coverage and employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, and promotion.