What is the major concern regarding genome sequencing to find genes that might cause diseases?

The concern regarding insurance companies denying coverage is significant in the context of genome sequencing because it relates to potential discrimination based on genetic information. As sequencing technology advances and more is understood about the genetic basis of diseases, there is the possibility that insurance companies might use this information to make decisions about coverage. For example, if an individual has a genetic predisposition to certain health conditions, insurers might deny coverage or increase premiums based on that information. This fear can discourage individuals from getting their genomes sequenced, as they might not want to uncover information that could lead to negative implications for their insurance status.

While laboratory contamination and data storage issues are valid technical challenges in genome sequencing, they do not carry the same ethical and social implications as insurance discrimination does. Ethical concerns about gene editing, such as issues surrounding the modification of human embryos or the potential for unintended consequences, also present challenges but are distinct from the concerns focused on insurance coverage. Each of these other topics needs to be addressed, but the implications of insurance discrimination have a direct effect on patient behavior and access to healthcare resources.