A health insurer proposes to require every applicant to undergo a genetic test before an accident and sickness policy can be issued, and to use the results in setting premiums. Under Virginia's genetic-information rules, which statement is correct?
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Why C is correct
Virginia's genetic-information protections, expressed in Va. Code § 38.2-508.4 and reinforced in the examination framework of Va. Code § 38.2-613(D), forbid insurers from requiring genetic tests or using genetic information as a condition of issuing coverage or of setting premiums. The policy judgment is that a person's genetic predispositions — which they cannot change — should not price them out of health coverage. Confidential handling of results does not rescue an impermissible requirement, and the Virginia Bureau of Insurance enforces these prohibitions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) A blanket consent at application cannot waive the prohibition; the law does not permit genetic testing as a coverage condition no matter what was signed.
- B) Confidentiality of results is a separate duty; it does not authorize a requirement the statute flatly forbids.
- D) There is no benefit-amount threshold that switches the rule on; the prohibition applies regardless of the coverage amount sought.
Memory hook
Genes are not premiums: no required genetic tests, no genetic rating in Virginia health underwriting.