Is Epigenetics the Hidden Key to Understanding Health and Insurance Risk?

Genetics is the study of heredity and collectively our genes are made up of DNA which is in turn made up of molecules A, G, C and T, and it is the specific arrangement of these molecules that are interpreted as genes. The word epigenetics comes from the Greek word epi, meaning above and gene, to literally mean anything on top of or above the level of a gene. The biological purpose of epigenetics is to control gene expression, in other words to turn genes on or off. Whereas our DNA or genetics are static, in other words, they do not change throughout the course of our life, our epigenetics will change. By obtaining epigenetic information from a non-invasive saliva sample, an insurer can:•attain information about an insured’s current health and wellness statuses•resulting from their environment and behaviour (for example diet, exercise, alcohol, and drug use),•while steering clear of the perceived unfairness of unchangeable genetic information.It can also contribute to accurate risk classification, an alignment of interests between insureds and insurers while upholding the essential regulatory norms of information symmetry and transparency. In this presentation spanning life and healthcare practice areas, we explore:

• the ethical, legal, and social implications for life insurers and healthcare funders when using epigenetics:
• to enhance the accuracy of underwriting, pricing, and managing insurance risk; or
• for targeted managed care interventions (to name a few uses).

 Practical outcomes for the audience include an understanding of:

• What epigenetics is, how it differs from genetics, and why the distinction between genetics and epigenetics is important.
• What your epigenetic clock refers to, how it is determined and how it can be used by insurers.
• How epigenetics affects your health outcomes, i.e., to what extent your health can be affected by environmental and behavioural factors.
• How your epigenetics can be tested, the accuracy and costs of epigenetics tests, and how the possible benefits for insurers compare to the additional costs of using epigenetics.
• Possible applications for life insurers and healthcare providers, how the applications differ between them, and risks involved.
• Case studies of insurers that have tried to or are currently using epigenetics, which demonstrate the practical uses of epigenetics in the life and healthcare industry.