Genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease and its impact on insurance purchasing behavior

Health Aff (Millwood). 2005 Mar-Apr;24(2):483-90. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.24.2.483.

Abstract

New genetic tests for adult-onset diseases raise concerns about possible adverse selection in insurance markets. To test for this behavior, we followed 148 cognitively normal people participating in a randomized clinical trial of genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease for one year after risk assessment and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype disclosure. Although no significant differences were found in health, life, or disability insurance purchases, those who tested positive were 5.76 times more likely to have altered their long-term care insurance than those who did not receive APOE genotype disclosure. If genetic testing for Alzheimer's risk assessment becomes common, it could trigger adverse selection in long-term care insurance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Confidentiality
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing* / economics
  • Genetic Testing* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Long-Term Care*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • United States

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E