DOJ appeals Texas court decision blocking preventive care coverage
While Texas decision eliminated constitutional grounds for coverage it doesn't mean insurers would stop the benefit, says legal expert.
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The Department of Justice has appealed a decision by a Texas court to block preventive care covered under the Affordable Care Act for HIV, reproductive health and other interventions.
The appeal was filed on March 31 in the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Dorian Smith, national practice leader for Mercer's Law & Policy Group, said in a statement that the Texas decision eliminated constitutional grounds for coverage requirements for preventive services, but that doesn't mean insurers would stop coverage.
"Even before the ACA, no or low-cost preventive services were already a common benefit in employer group health plans, and we do not expect to see employers scale this back in the short-term, as a commitment to workforce health and wellness has only grown in recent years," Smith said. "Importantly, employers will still be allowed to voluntarily provide coverage for preventive services without participant cost-sharing. The ruling only removes the requirement, not the ability, for employers and insurers to provide such no-cost coverage."
THE LARGER TREND
In late March. the Texas court blocked preventative care coverage, including for HIV, cancer, and a range of reproductive health interventions, mandated in the Affordable Care Act.
The decision in Braidwood v. Becerra applied nationwide and took effect immediately. Most health insurance plans were no longer required to cover many preventive healthcare services at no cost to the consumer.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
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