WASHINGTON, DC | April 28, 2023
In March, the U.S District Court in the Northern District of Texas vacated the requirement that ACA-compliant health plans cover certain U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended preventive services without cost sharing. The case has been appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Department of Justice has requested the Fifth Circuit issue a stay while litigation proceeds.
A statement from the groups follows:
“Our organizations strongly urge the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to immediately issue a stay in Braidwood v. Becerra. Under the March 30 ruling in this case, millions of people would no longer have the guarantee of cost-free coverage for preventive services recommended by the USPSTF after enactment of the ACA in March 2010, including lung cancer screening; counseling interventions for individuals who are pregnant or postpartum; screening for anxiety in children and adolescents, screenings for Hepatitis B and C, and medications to prevent HIV.
“This threat is not abstract. For example, self-funded employer health plans that cover approximately 65% of workers in the U.S. can change benefits with 60 days’ notice. If preventive care costs increase even for some individuals, the health consequences could be serious.
“A stay is necessary so people in the U.S. can still access lifesaving preventive services at no cost as this case is appealed. Our organizations will continue to work to make sure everyone in the U.S. has access to quality and affordable healthcare that includes preventive care.”
The full list of groups who joined the amicus are as follows: American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, GO2 for Lung Cancer, LUNGevity Foundation, Truth Initiative, Public Citizen.
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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
For more information, contact:
Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]
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