May 16, 2024

The April session of the Innovation Showcase Series presented a deep dive into the role of genetics in medicine now and into the future. This session provided employers with insights into groundbreaking genetic technologies poised to transform health care treatment and preventive care strategies.

The showcase highlighted the utility of genetic testing and counseling, bringing in prominent geneticists, innovators and health care strategists to direct the conversation. The discussion explored the capabilities of current genetic technologies, their impact on early disease detection and management, the future potential of these technologies and considerations for employers looking to integrate genetic health solutions into their benefit design.

Several key themes emerged:

1 | Children are the future of preventive genomics

A leading medical geneticist at Harvard Medical School led a discussion where they noted that, in the landscape of preventive genomics where genetic markers can predict risks for over 700 conditions, children are not currently screened at birth. Their research shows that genomic sequencing in newborns can uncover actionable genetic risks. This could transform medical practice by enabling a shift from a reactive to a proactive health care model, where genomic information is used from birth to guide health decisions throughout a person's life. However, it could also lead to increased near-term costs, as parents seek additional care interventions in response to genetic findings. Future technologies could allow for fetal genome sequencing from maternal blood samples, aiming to identify and manage genetic health risks even earlier.

2 | Handling genetic data need not slow innovation

An expert in medical genetics challenged the notion that handling genetic information is inherently risky or complex, suggesting that we already collect and protect the confidentiality and uses of an incredible set of other personal medical information. Privacy concerns are an important consideration, but they’re not so different for genetics as they are for current health information that may be stigmatizing, personal or embarrassing.

3 | Genetic sequencing costs are plummeting, increasing the likelihood of widespread testing in the future

Showcase innovator company speakers discussed the economic and health implications of widespread genetic screening. Full genome sequencing costs have been falling, with researchers currently sequencing the full genomes of millions of people. The information gained from sequencing provides participants with an unparalleled amount of health information to inform lifestyle choices and guide decisions about treatments. At the same time, the cost of genetic-based therapies is skyrocketing, which could lead to higher downstream costs for employers. Employers can play a pivotal role by participating in discussions about health care reimbursement models that consider long-term benefits of preventive genomics and financial risks of subsequent treatment.

4 | Genetic information is complicated, so communication is key

Innovator company panelists noted that there is a unique opportunity for employers to proactively support their workforce's health through genetic counseling and testing programs. Genetic counseling is a process that helps individuals understand and react to their genetic testing results. This is done by genetic counseling specialists who can work in conjunction with the patient’s other providers. As treatments increase in complexity and testing becomes more common, it will be more important to ensure that employees and their families have support to understand their results and options.

5 | Innovative providers are often already in-network

One speaker encouraged employers to ask their health plans about virtual genetic counseling support that may already be available to their employees. This may alleviate the burden of contracting with another vendor providing these services, though in-network genetic counseling providers are in high demand, so meaningful access isn’t guaranteed by coverage.

6 | Rapid genetic advances require employers to adapt to new options and new costs

As the world of genetic testing rapidly evolves, employers face the challenge of keeping pace, balancing the latest scientific advancements with cost considerations. This technological evolution requires frequent reassessment of screening and treatment strategies.

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Resource Preventive Services Virtual Solutions Health Conditions and Risk Factors