Since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2010, most private insurance plans have been required to cover preventive care services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force without cost-sharing for consumers. This includes cancer screenings, pregnancy care, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. It is estimated that nearly 152 million people benefited from this law in 2020.
However, a pending Supreme Court case, Braidwood Management v. Becerra, threatens this coverage.
This month, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the case where Texas residents and Christian-affiliated businesses sued the government, claiming that the appointment of the task force violated the constitution. They also argued against covering medications that prevent HIV infection due to religious beliefs.
In 2022, Judge Reed O’Connor ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating that the task force was not properly appointed by Congress, thus lacking the authority to require insurers to cover certain services. The U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed this ruling in June 2024.
If the Supreme Court upholds the Appeals Court ruling, the government’s ability to mandate insurers and employers to cover preventive services without cost-sharing could be limited.
The case involves arguments related to the appointments clause and religious freedom. There are various potential outcomes, including the possibility of religious employers receiving exemptions for certain services while the preventive care mandate remains valid.
The Supreme Court’s decision could have significant implications for healthcare access and costs. It may impact coverage for services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, potentially affecting screenings for cancer, medications for various conditions, and preventive care in general.
Healthcare experts emphasize the importance of preventive care in saving lives and reducing long-term costs. The overturn of the preventive care provision could lead to adverse consequences for public health and healthcare affordability.
While insurers and employers may choose to continue covering preventive services without cost-sharing, the Supreme Court’s ruling will have a lasting effect on healthcare access and affordability.
Los jefes no quieren que sus empleados se pongan enfermos.”
Aunque financieramente podría ser más sabio que los aseguradores cubran los exámenes sin requerir costos compartidos, sin la disposición de atención preventiva en su lugar, ciertamente no estaría en el nivel actual, agregó.
La Corte Suprema escuchará argumentos orales sobre el caso el 21 de abril.
Foto: Valerii Evlakhov, Getty Imágenes