As the US election approaches, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) faces another legal challenge in the Supreme Court. The Biden administration has requested the Court to reverse lower court rulings that deemed some of the ACA's preventive care mandates unconstitutional.
The mandates in question ensure cost-free coverage for services like cancer screenings and heart medication. The administration argues that these mandates facilitate access to preventive care for millions of Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities, improving health outcomes.
The Supreme Court will decide on taking up the case post-election. The challenge, brought by businesses and individuals in Texas, questions the constitutionality of the preventive care provisions. The 5th US Circuit Court ruled in favor of some arguments, potentially impacting preventive care access in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
If upheld, the ruling could affect screenings for lung and colorectal cancer, statin use for cardiovascular disease prevention, and HIV-prevention measures. The Justice Department warns that the ruling may lead to broader restrictions on enforcing preventive care mandates nationwide.
While the ACA is not a central issue in the current presidential campaign, the legal battle underscores ongoing conservative efforts against the law. The challengers are represented by American First Legal, a group led by former Trump administration officials, and Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for healthcare access and preventive care coverage under the ACA, impacting millions of Americans across the country.
