In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has upheld a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, ensuring access to preventive care for millions of Americans.
According to The Hill, the ruling, decided by a 6-3 vote, affirmed the constitutionality of a measure that protects preventive health services for approximately 150 million people while confirming the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services secretary over the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
The case began with a legal challenge from a small business in Texas and several individuals who opposed a specific recommendation by the USPSTF. They contested the panel’s guidance to include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) for HIV as a covered preventive service. The plaintiffs argued that this coverage conflicted with their religious beliefs, claiming it would promote behaviors they deemed unacceptable.
According to the plaintiffs, mandating coverage for PreP would encourage actions contrary to their values, such as certain sexual behaviors or drug use. They further challenged the structure of the USPSTF, asserting that its members are “inferior officers” who should be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They believed that the panel’s significant influence over health care decisions warranted stricter oversight in its appointment process.
The dispute gained traction in 2023 when a U.S. district judge declared all preventive care mandates enacted since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law to be invalid. This decision was later upheld by a federal appeals court judge in the following year.
These rulings threatened to dismantle key components of the ACA’s preventive care framework, impacting millions of Americans who rely on these services.
In response, the Biden administration appealed the lower court decisions to the Supreme Court, seeking to preserve the preventive care provisions. Interestingly, the Trump administration, despite its past criticism of the ACA, also defended the law in this particular case. This bipartisan support underscored the importance of maintaining access to essential health services for a vast segment of the population.
On Friday, the Supreme Court issued its ruling, siding with the federal government in a 6-3 decision. The justices affirmed that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services holds the power to appoint and remove USPSTF members. This decision solidified the legal foundation of the preventive care mandates under the ACA.
The ruling ensures that around 150 million Americans will continue to have access to critical preventive health services without disruption. These services include screenings, vaccinations, and other measures aimed at early detection and prevention of serious health conditions. Public health advocates welcomed the outcome, recognizing its significance for nationwide health care access.
While the decision was celebrated by many, some public health groups expressed lingering concerns about potential future challenges. They worry about the extent of control the Department of Health and Human Services secretary wields over the USPSTF’s membership and recommendations. These concerns highlight the delicate balance between governmental authority and independent health expertise.
Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA, commented on the ruling, acknowledging its importance while raising caution. “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 in a statement. His remarks reflect a broader unease among advocates about the potential for political influence over health recommendations.
Wright also pointed to recent actions by the current HHS secretary as a source of concern for public health groups. “We must be vigilant to ensure Secretary Kennedy does not undo coverage of preventive services by taking actions such as his recent firing of qualified health experts from the CDC’s independent vaccine advisory committee and replacing them with his personal allies,” he added. His statement underscores the need for ongoing oversight to protect the integrity of health policy decisions.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes at a time when health care policy remains a deeply divisive issue in the United States. The ACA, often referred to as ObamaCare, has faced numerous legal and political challenges since its enactment over a decade ago. This ruling represents a significant victory for supporters of the law, reinforcing its core components.
For now, the upheld provision ensures that millions can continue accessing vital preventive care services without immediate threat. However, the concerns raised by advocates suggest that the debate over health care mandates and governmental authority is far from over. Future administrations and court rulings could still shape the landscape of preventive health services in unforeseen ways.