{"id":14209,"date":"2025-04-21T13:22:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/?p=14209"},"modified":"2025-04-21T13:22:02","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:22:02","slug":"aca-preventive-care-supreme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/","title":{"rendered":"ACA Preventive Care Supreme Court Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"<div tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"grid-cols-1 grid gap-2.5 [&amp;_&gt;_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5\">\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">The Supreme Court is set to hear critical oral arguments on April 21 in a case that could fundamentally alter how Americans access preventive healthcare services. This high-stakes legal battle challenges key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and threatens to disrupt cost-free preventive care for over 150 million Americans. As healthcare advocates and legal experts brace for the decision, the case highlights ongoing tensions between religious freedom claims and public health priorities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/#The_Core_of_the_Dispute\" >The Core of the Dispute<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/#Public_Health_Implications\" >Public Health Implications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/#Legal_Arguments_and_Potential_Outcomes\" >Legal Arguments and Potential Outcomes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/#Political_Context_and_Broader_Implications\" >Political Context and Broader Implications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/#Future_Concerns\" >Future Concerns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/#Consumer_Protection_at_Stake\" >Consumer Protection at Stake<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Core_of_the_Dispute\"><\/span><strong>The Core of the Dispute<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">At the center of this contentious lawsuit is Texas-based employer Braidwood Management&#8217;s challenge to the constitutionality of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This independent panel evaluates scientific evidence to recommend essential preventive services that private insurers must cover at no cost under the ACA. The plaintiffs argue that USPSTF members are not properly appointed, rendering the body unconstitutional.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">The case originated from religious objections to covering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs for HIV prevention but has expanded into a broader challenge that could undermine numerous preventive services. According to Andrew Pincus, a partner at Mayer Brown who has argued 30 cases before the Supreme Court, a ruling favoring the plaintiffs would effectively terminate coverage for many critical services.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_Health_Implications\"><\/span><strong>Public Health Implications<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">The potential impact on public health could be devastating, according to experts. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director at the American Public Health Association, warns that overturning these provisions would lead to increased mortality rates.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">&#8220;I think at the end of the day, we need to make sure we understand this is going to mean more deaths at even a higher cost to Americans,&#8221; Benjamin stated. He emphasized that preventive care yields significant long-term savings while preventing deaths from cancer, strokes, and substance use disorders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">Healthcare advocates argue that the cost-free preventive services mandate has been instrumental in improving health outcomes nationwide. Early detection screenings, vaccinations, and preventive medications have become standard care that millions of Americans now rely upon.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Arguments_and_Potential_Outcomes\"><\/span><strong>Legal Arguments and Potential Outcomes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">Both the Biden and Trump administrations have defended the USPSTF&#8217;s constitutionality, highlighting the rare bipartisan agreement on this issue. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, among numerous state attorneys general filing amicus briefs supporting the government&#8217;s position, called the plaintiffs&#8217; arguments a &#8220;bad faith reading of the appointments clause.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">Legal experts suggest the Supreme Court may choose a middle path. Rather than completely eliminating the USPSTF, the Court could modify its role or structure. Pincus believes there&#8217;s a &#8220;strong likelihood&#8221; of this outcome.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">The Trump administration has previously argued that the task force is constitutional because the executive branch maintains oversight authority. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary\u2014currently Robert F. Kennedy Jr.\u2014has the power to overturn USPSTF recommendations or replace committee members, establishing clear political accountability.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Political_Context_and_Broader_Implications\"><\/span><strong>Political Context and Broader Implications<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">This case unfolds against a backdrop of judicial skepticism toward administrative agencies. Richard Hughes IV, a healthcare attorney for Epstein Becker Green, notes that for the task force to survive legal scrutiny, it&#8217;s crucial to demonstrate that &#8220;there is oversight. There&#8217;s political accountability.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">The Supreme Court has recently shown willingness to curtail what some justices view as the excessive power of the &#8220;administrative state,&#8221; as evidenced by the overturning of the Chevron deference last summer. This case aligns with the unitary executive theory favored by many Trump allies, which aims to consolidate more governing power within the three constitutional branches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">Support for the challenge comes from Republican attorneys general, the Christian Employers Alliance, and conservative think tanks. Meanwhile, numerous health advocacy organizations have filed briefs supporting the government&#8217;s position.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_Concerns\"><\/span><strong>Future Concerns<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">Even with a favorable ruling for the government, healthcare advocates remain concerned about implementation. Leslie Dach, chair of Protect Our Care, expressed worry about an administration potentially &#8220;skeptical about vaccines, science and experts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">&#8220;This lawsuit is a gateway to allowing the American people to get what they deserve and what the laws Congress meant for them to have. But we&#8217;re going to have to remain very, very vigilant,&#8221; Dach cautioned.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">A separate district court is still evaluating the constitutionality of three other categories of preventive services covered by the ACA, including vaccine recommendations from the CDC&#8217;s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and women&#8217;s and children&#8217;s preventive services.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consumer_Protection_at_Stake\"><\/span><strong>Consumer Protection at Stake<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">If the Supreme Court strikes down these provisions, Dach warns that Americans would be &#8220;back at the mercy of the insurance companies,&#8221; which could collect the same premiums while offering fewer services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">The ruling could create immediate uncertainty in the healthcare market and potentially lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for consumers seeking preventive care. Insurance companies might quickly adjust their coverage policies, creating a patchwork system where access to preventive services varies widely depending on one&#8217;s insurer or employer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">For the millions of Americans who have come to rely on cost-free access to cancer screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive measures, the stakes couldn&#8217;t be higher. Public health experts emphasize that these services not only save lives but also reduce overall healthcare spending by preventing more serious and costly conditions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap break-words\">As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments, healthcare providers, insurers, and patients alike await a decision that could reshape the landscape of preventive care in America for years to come.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"h-8\">Discover the latest\u00a0<a id=\"menur1hf\" class=\"fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link payers' news updates\"><strong>payers\u2019 news updates<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0with a single click. 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Join our community today!<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Supreme Court is set to hear critical oral arguments on April 21 in a case that could fundamentally alter&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/aca-preventive-care-supreme\/\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Continue Reading <i class=\"fas fa-long-arrow-alt-right\" style=\"vertical-align: middle;\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[41,1404,42,1395,960,1396,1403,1402,1406,275,1398,1399,1401,1397,1392,434,1400,1405,1393,1394,43],"class_list":{"0":"post-14209","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-distilinfo-originals","8":"tag-aca","9":"tag-administrative-state","10":"tag-affordable-care-act","11":"tag-braidwood-management","12":"tag-cancer-screenings","13":"tag-constitutional-challenge","14":"tag-cost-free-preventive-care","15":"tag-healthcare-advocacy","16":"tag-healthcare-policy","17":"tag-hhs","18":"tag-hiv-prevention","19":"tag-insurance-coverage","20":"tag-prep-drugs","21":"tag-preventive-healthcare","22":"tag-preventive-services","23":"tag-public-health","24":"tag-religious-objections","25":"tag-robert-f-kennedy-jr","26":"tag-supreme-court-case","27":"tag-u-s-preventive-services-task-force","28":"tag-uspstf","29":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14209"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14209"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14211,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14209\/revisions\/14211"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}