Congress close on bill to ban genetic discrimination

The U.S. Senate plans to vote soon on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which would make it illegal for employers and insurance companies to deny applicants jobs and healthcare coverage because they are genetically disposed to a disease. Several lawmakers have been pushing the issue for years, saying that advances in genetic research make it crucial that people are protected from discrimination. Under the legislation, sponsors of health coverage cannot request or use genetic information to adjust premiums or to determine eligibility.