WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 2023— Patient groups representing millions of people with serious health conditions released the following statement today in response to the ruling in the Braidwood v. Becerra 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:
"Our organizations are deeply disappointed in today's decision. We serve millions of people living with serious medical conditions who depend on preventive services to live healthy lives.
"Since the Affordable Care Act 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 such as cancer screenings, help to quit smoking, HIV prevention, blood pressure tests and many other health care services. This has not only saved lives, but studies show that high-quality coverage, complete with preventive services, improves the health of individuals and our country, lowers overall health spending and reduces health disparities.
"This decision directly threatens these benefits and would 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 we will vigorously defend individuals' rights to access these critical services.
"On behalf of the millions of patients we represent, we urge the U.S. Department of Justice to swiftly appeal this decision and urge Judge O'Connor to immediately stay his ruling."
