65% of Employees Would Pay for Genetic Testing from Their Employer Sponsored Health Account, Wamberg Genomic Survey

LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixty-five percent (65%) of respondents would be interested if their employer offered easy and affordable access to genetic testing for health purposes, and the results were private and only shared between the employee and their doctor.  Twenty-six (26%) percent want genetic testing but only if it is free, and 9% would have no interest in an employer offer of access to genetic testing.  Further, 52% of respondents are willing to pay up to $250 for genetic testing.

Results are based on Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey, which queried 536 U.S. consumers from 26 to 64 years old with employer-sponsored health insurance. Survey Sampling International (SSI) fielded the survey in October/November 2017.

According to Dr. Phil Smalley, Chief Medical Director of Wamberg Genomic Advisors, "For employers considering genetic testing as a voluntary benefit, these results show that their employees will likely see value in getting genetic testing – and they are willing to use their health spending account funds."

Added Tom Wamberg, CEO of Wamberg Genomic Advisors, "Genetic testing is a new health plan option from employers that helps to attract and retain great employees.  Great employers are looking at health plans as part of the overall rewards and benefits program to give them a competitive advantage."

For the first time, employers can offer the following tests and reports to help employees and care providers better manage health:

• Whole Genome Sequence & Report (WGx) --
• Whole Exome Sequence & Report (WEx)
• Cancer Genomic Profiling Program (CGx)
• Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
• Stem Cell & Cord Blood Banking

In the Wamberg Genomic survey, respondents were asked:
What is the most you would pay for genetic testing if your employer contributed $1000 per year to a tax-free account for your medical expenses?"

Respondents answered as follows:

• 33% would pay $100
• 19% would pay $250
• 8% would pay $500
• 4% would pay $1,000 or more
• 10% do not want genetic testing
• 26% are not willing to pay

Other results of the survey revealed the following:

• 75% responded genetic testing can help people live a longer and better quality of life
• 33% have had genetic testing. Of those that have had testing, 52% found the results useful

About the Survey
The Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey queried 536 U.S. consumers 26-64. The survey was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in October/November 2017. Data for the survey was collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error was 4%.

About Survey Sampling International:
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the premier global provider of data solutions and technology for consumer and business-to-business survey research for 40 years.  For more information, go to www.surveysampling.com.   

About Wamberg Genomic Advisors:
Wamberg Genomic Advisors' mission is to make genomic testing readily available at prices everyone can afford. Our focus is on delivering genomic products and services to employers and their employees via their trusted benefit brokers, and policyholders of life insurance companies. To learn more, visit wamberggenomic.com.

SOURCE Wamberg Genomic Advisors

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