Gene Expression: Post-genomic era = socialized medicine?

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Post-genomic era = socialized medicine? permlink

Category: Genetics
Posted on: November 15, 2006 2:32 AM, by Razib

Over at my other weblog there is a post up, Genomics and socialized health care, which asks if the new DNA era might not explode the acturial edifice that is modern health insurance in the United States. I suspect in this case many will welcome a "broken" system which needs to be replaced by a universal single-payer system, at least on the basal level. But, with privilege comes responsibilities. I suspect that the overturning the old system of health insurance, which was predicated on imperfect knowledge, will be correlated with the rise of a new system where particular values common within the society will shape the extent and relevance of genetic "screening."

Comments

with privilege comes responsibilities...a new system where particular values common within the society will shape the extent and relevance of genetic "screening."

What do you mean by that? Are you suggesting that genetic testing may become mandatory, or...what?

Posted by: simon | November 15, 2006 2:58 AM

Are you suggesting that genetic testing may become mandatory, or...what?

yes.

Posted by: razib | November 15, 2006 12:15 PM

A universal single-payer system should reduce the stigma of genetic testing. There are other potential problems like life insurance and employment issues but these seem to be secondary to health insurance problems.

Posted by: joeo | November 15, 2006 4:15 PM