Final answer:
The law designed to protect Americans from genetic discrimination by insurers is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). It stops insurers from denying coverage or charging more based on genetic information and prohibits such discrimination in employment, but does not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. The Affordable Care Act also expanded healthcare coverage and helped to insure millions of previously uninsured Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The law that protects Americans from insurance companies discriminating against an individual for having a family history of a particular disorder is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). This legislation guards against prejudice from insurers by prohibiting them from denying coverage or inflating premiums due to genetic information. Additionally, it forbids employers from leveraging such data for hiring, firing, or promotional decisions. Despite opposition from business-oriented organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the act was overwhelmingly passed in the House. It is important to note, however, that GINA does not extend protections to life, long-term care, or disability insurance.
Furthermore, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, played a substantial role in expanding healthcare coverage. The ACA aimed to provide health insurance for approximately 32 million uninsured Americans, extended Medicaid eligibility, subsidized premiums, ensured coverage for those with preexisting conditions, and allowed young adults to stay on their parents' policies until age 26.