. UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest private insurer and long a target of industry lobbying, told ProPublica it changed its stance to cover screenings for all patients, regardless of risk, because of the recommendation., Natera stated that prenatal genetic and carrier screenings"represent the significant majority of our revenues," which totaled $625.5 million in 2021. The company expects more growth to come.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, four months after the New York Times story on the usefulness of some screenings, the FDA took a step toward more public awareness about prenatal genetic screening. It issued its firstIt cautioned patients about making"critical health care decisions based on results from these screening tests alone."
At 33, Julia had no risk factors. Her previous pregnancies hadn't been screened with an NIPT. But with three sons and 18 nephews, she and her husband were curious about the baby's sex. And the screening seemed like it had no downside. "I was utterly devastated," she said."I made it out of my doctor's office but completely broke down in the car."
The wait was excruciating. Julia was driving twice a week to New Orleans for specialized care. With work and child care, it was too hard. She quit the teaching job she loved.