Supreme Court: Preventive Care Access Protected
- The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision Friday, preserved the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) mandate requiring insurers to cover certain preventive services without cost-sharing.
- The ruling addresses a challenge brought by Braidwood Management,a Texas firm with christian owners,which sought to exclude coverage for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other preventive services based...
- Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted in the majority opinion that the USPSTF has issued top ratings for over 40 tests and treatments.
The Supreme Court decisively upheld the ACA mandate, ensuring continued access to preventive care without cost-sharing for millions. This ruling, a victory for affordable healthcare, protects access to key services like cancer screenings adn HIV prevention, as outlined in the law. The court’s decision addressed religious objections to coverage, emphasizing the importance of preventive services. While advocates celebrate this win, they also voice concerns about the HHS Secretary‘s influence on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which determines covered services. News Directory 3 reports on the mixed reactions and continuing efforts to ensure essential care coverage. discover what’s next as we monitor the evolving landscape of preventive care.
supreme Court Upholds ACA Mandate for preventive Care Coverage
Updated June 28, 2025
The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision Friday, preserved the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) mandate requiring insurers to cover certain preventive services without cost-sharing. Health advocates are calling this a major victory for access to affordable healthcare and preventive care.
The ruling addresses a challenge brought by Braidwood Management,a Texas firm with christian owners,which sought to exclude coverage for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other preventive services based on religious objections. The ACA requires coverage without copays for services receiving an “A” or “B” rating from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted in the majority opinion that the USPSTF has issued top ratings for over 40 tests and treatments. These include screenings for cancer and diabetes,nicotine patches for smoking cessation,statins for heart disease and stroke prevention,and physical therapy to prevent falls in older adults. The mandate has allowed an estimated 152 million Americans to access these preventive services without cost-sharing, according to a brief filed by medical groups with the Supreme Court.
Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA, hailed the decision as a victory against challenges to the ACA, ensuring greater access to care. However, Wright also expressed concern about the HHS Secretary’s authority over the USPSTF, which determines covered preventive services.
“While this is a foundational victory for patients, patients have reason to be concerned that the decision reaffirms the ability of the HHS secretary, including our current one, to control the membership and recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force that determines which preventive services are covered,” Wright said.
The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Cancer society, and roughly 30 other medical organizations jointly applauded the ruling. They argued that limiting preventive care coverage would worsen patient outcomes, increase preventable deaths, and drive up long-term medical costs.
Kavanaugh addressed concerns that the USPSTF wielded unchecked power, clarifying that the HHS Secretary can remove task force members and review or block their recommendations. This authority was a key point in the court’s decision.
The American Gastroenterological Association echoed Wright’s concerns, calling the ruling “positive news for patient care protections” but remaining “vigilant considering the secretary’s recent actions to other expert panels.”
What’s next
Advocates will continue monitoring the HHS Secretary’s actions regarding expert panels and working to ensure continued coverage of essential preventive screenings