The Supreme Court has decided to review a lower court’s ruling that eliminated certain preventative care coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision follows an appeal from the federal government after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of employers who contended that they should not be obligated to provide complete insurance coverage for various preventative services, such as medications for HIV prevention and some cancer screenings. This ruling has significant implications for the ACA, commonly known as Obamacare.
Opponents of these requirements have raised both religious and procedural concerns regarding them. However, it’s important to note that not all preventative care was affected by this recent decision. A 2023 analysis conducted by a nonprofit organization identified that certain screenings, like those for mammography and cervical cancer, would still be available without any out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Nonetheless, the ruling may impact access to various crucial services and medications. The analysis indicated that treatments, including statins aimed at preventing heart disease, lung cancer screenings, and HIV prevention medications, along with drugs to mitigate breast cancer risk in high-risk women, could potentially see coverage removed.
Currently, the preventative care requirements remain effective for the general public, aside from the eight companies involved in the lawsuit. The conservative 5th Circuit court found the coverage mandates unconstitutional, arguing they were established by the United States Preventive Services Task Force—a body whose members were neither appointed by the president nor confirmed by the Senate.
The Supreme Court is anticipated to hold hearings on this case in the upcoming spring season, which could lead to significant changes in how preventative care is covered under the ACA moving forward.