Class Claims Humana Uses Genetic Testing to Deny Health Coverage

PALM BEACH, Fla. (CN) - Humana Health Insurance of Florida uses genetic testing to deny coverage to women it believes may be genetically susceptible to breast cancer, a class action claims in Palm Beach County Court. "The plaintiff and each prospective class plaintiff's test results revealed a positive test for BRCA, a fibrocystic condition that may demonstrate a disposition for developing breast cancer," the complaint states.

The complaint continues: "Humana obtained medical records of the plaintiff and each prospective class plaintiff, which include test results for BRCA and/or genetic information of family members reflecting a history of various cancers. Defendant Humana denied issuance of coverage because the plaintiff and each prospective class plaintiff allegedly have a condition that defendant contends demonstrated a predisposition to developing breast cancer."

The class claims Humana is violating consumer law, insurance law, and is illegally discriminating. It is represented by David Shiner with Shiner & Sosin of Boca Raton.

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