A diagnosis of Huntington's disease or Alzheimers means there is a high likelyhood someone will eventually need long-term care. They both have some genetic components as well (especially Huntingtons)
Because of this, LTC Insurance carriers are very concerned that the ability for someone to get tested for the disease means they will be very likely to also explore LTC Insurance, which can lead to adverse impacts on carrier claims.
The insurers fears may be a little overblown. Although someone who has a parent with Huntington's has a 50/50 chance of developing the disease, only 5% choose to get a blood test to determine if they have the gene that will lead to the disease.
There may be little appetite for people to know if they are risk for Alzheimers as well. Since it is incurable, isn't there more of a cost of knowing? Traditionally, economists think people always want more information, but sometimes they benefit from having less information.
Freakonomics Radio has a great podcast on this recently- you can play it below.
What do you think? Would you get tested for Alzheimer's? If LTC Insurance carriers tested for Alzheimer's during the underwriting process, would it scare away potential applicants?