Patient groups representing millions of people with serious health conditions released a statement today in anticipation of possible administration action on a case before the Supreme Court known as the Braidwood case, which threatens coverage of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended preventive services without cost sharing as required under the Affordable Care Act.
The groups issued the following statement:
“Our organizations serve millions of people living with serious medical conditions who depend on preventive services to live healthy lives. They are relying on the Administration to continue defending no-cost preventive care for all Americans.
“Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010, more than 150 million Americans — including those covered by employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace and Medicaid expansion plans — have benefitted from no-cost preventive services like cancer screenings, help to quit smoking, HIV prevention, blood pressure tests and many other healthcare services. This has not only saved lives, but studies show that high-quality coverage, complete with preventive services, improves the overall health of individuals and our country, lowers overall health spending and reduces health disparities.
“A decision striking down mandatory cost-free coverage could directly threaten these benefits and may result in a return to financial and other barriers proven to discourage Americans from obtaining lifesaving, preventive care. Our organizations are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the care they need and will vigorously defend individuals’ rights to access these critical services.
“On behalf of the millions of patients we represent, we urge the Administration to fight to ensure that everyone has access to these crucial preventive services.”