Case Study:
Should Companies Be Allowed to Ask Employees about Family Health History?
Companies generally consider the costs and benefits associated with their strategies in order to be successful. This dilemma involves the conflict between a company's desire to decrease health-care costs by encouraging employees to attend wellness classes and an employee's desire for privacy. "Many employers offer workers cash incentives to fill out health surveys and some use that information to offer health advice or direct at-risk employees to disease-management programs,'' says a Wall Street Journal story. "But the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which took effect [in 2009], restricts employers' and health insurers' ability to collect and disclose genetic information. That includes not only genetic-test results, but family medical history, too. "Some employers say the law is stymieing their efforts to promote employee wellness because it bars them from offering worker financial incentives to complete health surveys that ask about family history. Generally, the Jaw prohibits insurers and employers from using genetic information for coverage and employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, and promotion. "Employers say financial incentives are needed to boost participation in wellness programs, which can reduce overall health-care costs .... "Some supporters of the law say the financial incentives improperly encourage employees to disclose genetic details. 'People should not have to choose between their pocketbooks and participating in a wellness program or a health-risk assessment, particularly in this economy,' says Jeremy Gruber, executive director of the Council of Responsible Genetics." Solving the Dilemma How would you resolve this dilemma?
Q1. In today's economy it is very important to contain or reduce the cost of health care.
Q2. If we allow companies to ask about family medical history, they will use that information to discriminate against people.
Q3. We cannot allow health-care costs to skyrocket; something must be done. That said, we should not allow discrimination based on one's family history.
Q4. Invent other options. Discuss.
Your answer must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format and also include references.