Inform GINA's Implementation
Submit Comments to the RFI on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

Play a role in the implementation of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) by responding to the request for public comment on Title I of GINA, the health insurance provisions of the bill.

Currently, the various agencies that will enforce GINA, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services, are writing regulations to enforce GINA. The preliminary drafts of these rules, both for the health insurance and employment protections from genetic discrimination, will be released in the fall or winter, and will work to provide clear guidance on GINA enforcement.

On Friday, October 10, the Departments submitted a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register. The Departments are soliciting comments from the general public for Title I of GINA, pertaining to health insurers in the group, individual, and Medicare supplemental policy markets. These provisions will be in effect on May 21, 2009 and the Departments would like comments regarding regulatory guidance and the impact on insurer policies and procedures, among other topics. The comments are due to the Departments on December 9, 2008. Throughout the next few weeks, the Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CGF) will draft comments with the help and input of the genetics community for submission to the RFI, however, the public is strongly encouraged to submit their own comments to the RFI, in addition to working with CGF.

To submit comments to the RFI, just follow these 3 simple steps:

1. View the RFI, which contains an overview of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act followed by guiding questions to aid the public in creating comments.
2. Draft comments in response to the guiding questions or particular areas of interest. Review the online Guide to GINA if you have questions about the legislation.
3. Send in your comments! Follow the instructions from the first page of the RFI.

If you need assistance, please contact Andria Cornell, Public Policy Program Assistant, at acornell@geneticalliance.org.