In this case, jhay, it probably has more to do with the bottom line – money.

Hi Nelson. Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, I didn’t miss the idea behind their policy. Of course they want to dodge responsibility and costs wherever they can but why should genetic predisposition be different from other behaviors that increase a person’s risk of disease? If, by your logic, the military doesn’t have to pay for what’s not their responsibility then I guess the only kind of benefits they are obligated to offer to service members are those directly related to combat or active duty?

If a soldier smokes, drinks too much alcohol, eats too much fatty food, should s/he he be denied medical coverage as well? Genetic risk factors are like other risk factors in many ways. There’s nothing more sinister about a disease that can be attributed to genes. In fact, almost all disease have a genetic component. How does the military plan to keep track of that? Genetic screening of servicemen and women can’t be too far away.

Nelson, Thanks for the info. Obviously I don’t know too much about what benefits the military provides but I’m shocked that all-purpose health insurance isn’t available. (I’ve emailed a friend of mine whose husband is a doctor in the Air Force stationed in Italy to ask for clarification.)

As for the web designer’s health problems, if I were to hire one full-time as an employee, I would certainly provide adequate health insurance to ensure the s/eh would get the care needed.

Thanks for the input, origins g. I certainly agree that if employees have dedicated their lives to a company, they deserve to get adequate benefits – health insurance, pensions, and otherwise. Not saying that all companies do right by their staff but they should. The US military is an employer and service people their employees. It’s as simple as that. What’s worse, they’re sending their employees “into harm’s way” so what the heck with not providing them basic health insurance?!

I understand, Nelson. It’s just really hard to figure who’s responsible. That’s what insurance is supposed to be for!

Hi Chris,

I found this answer on the Army National Guard forum:

3. One was diagnosed as bipolar as a child, but is no longer on any medication or specific treatment for it. Will this affect his ability to join?

Normally this done on a case by case basis. The prospective applicant would gather all of the pertinent documents from their doctor and submit a medical pre-evaluation (which is done through a recruiter). The Chief Medical Officer will review the documents and make a determination from the facts(i.e. Medical Documents) that are available at his disposal.