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AAHP Board of Directors: Health Plan Principles Guide Policies Toward Genetic Testing and Treatments
Senate-Passed Bill Consistent with Principles
(Washington, DC) - Last year, the Board of Directors of the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP) approved principles to guide health plans in their efforts to incorporate the growing scientific potential of genetic medicine into the day-to-day care of consumers. The legislation passed yesterday by the U.S. Senate is consistent with these principles. AAHP's genetic medicine initiative marks the first national effort by health plans to address the challenges associated with recent breakthroughs in the science of genetics, and to fulfill the promise it holds for improving - and saving - lives.
“By approving a set of best practices that combine the vast promise of genetic medicine with the high standards of coverage to which health plans have long adhered, AAHP's board of directors has demonstrated their strong commitment to the principles of evidence-based medicine," said Aetna's Chairman and CEO Dr. John W. Rowe, who led an AAHP board-level committee that developed the principles and is a recognized leader in the growing movement in health care to encourage testing where evidence indicates patients can be helped with the results.
Health plans already have begun to provide coverage of certain genetic-based treatments for members who are at high risk for treatable diseases, as well as providing access to clinically useful testing and the proper interpretation of test results. The principles, adopted by the AAHP Board of Directors at its November 8, 2002 meeting, address issues ranging from testing and counseling, to consumer education and confidentiality.
AAHP will continue to work with Members of Congress to ensure that health plans can use genetic information appropriately for early detection and intervention in those cases where such information can be most useful in improving the quality of care for their members.
A copy of AAHP's genetic medicine initiative adopted by the AAHP Board of Directors is attached.
Additional Files
- Board of Directors Statement on Genetic Testing
(.pdf - 99 KB)
