Genetics and Health at the UK Public Library

See how devoted I am to all of you? I am blogging from a public library in the UK. Darn internet still isn’t up at home and I am overflowing with genetics and health thoughts to share!

Last week, the use of genetic information to determine insurance rates was in the limelight here in the UK. The insurance companies denied media claims that they would ask each applicant whether they had ever taken the BRCA genetic tests before.

Insurance companies say they would not be asking for genetics-related information in the near future. And thinking back to when I was filling out my own health insurance application forms, insurance companies really don’t ask for much of anything except for pre-existing conditions.

It’s time the public became educated about how insurance companies calculate premiums and other fees. Without understanding what kind of risk their members have for developing specific diseases, genetic or not, it is impossible to come up with a fair fee structure for everyone. And, let’s not forget that even evil insurance companies have to earn a profit and pay their employees too.

Tricky genetics and health issues are discussed in the UK papers daily. It’s a huge contrast to my former home in Vietnam. Great to be in London (even if it does take a month to get broadband set-up)!

PS I’m sorry I haven’t responded to all your wonderful comments. When I can finally work without a time limit, I will be in touch.