Genes 2 Brains 2 Mind 2 Me

I much enjoyed the recent article, “Do Not Ask or Do Not Answer” in the August 25th Economist. As genetic data begins to trickle into the hands of consumers, the debate on genetic privacy grows more intense. On the one hand, the article notes that the SRY gene has long been used to price insurance (its the gene that determines the male vs. female pathway during embryonic development – sorry males) and that a look at one’s parents and siblings gives a fairly decent sense of one’s genetic liabilities. On the other hand, the article notes a study showing that folks who find they carry a potent Alzheimer’s risk gene are more likely to purchase extra health insurance – thus out-gaming the insurance industry to their discontent. Both hands having acknowledged the disconnect, the article turns to the search for new financial strategies for the future when consumers possess detailed knowledge of their own genomes (speaking of which, take a moment to browse Jim Watson’s genome). Some of the solutions noted were a form of compulsory universal coverage where neither side can outgame the other, HSA’s where out-of-pocket expenses are paid from individual tax free investment account and other new business models such as provided by RedBrick Health where benefits are maximized by optimizing participants behavior. The science is moving fast. Will the health insurance markets keep up?