From Investing.com: 2024-06-21 16:01:04

A U.S. appeals court upheld a federal mandate requiring health insurers to cover preventive care services without extra cost. The court ruled against the government on a key legal issue, leaving the mandate’s future uncertain. The businesses challenging the mandate claimed the selection process for covered services violates the Constitution.

The court found a nationwide block on the mandate unnecessary and only blocked enforcement against the businesses involved. The ruling provides potential support for employers or insurers looking to challenge the mandate. Major medical groups have warned that eliminating the mandate could jeopardize patient health and raise healthcare expenses.

The businesses challenging the mandate objected to covering HIV-preventing medication on religious and constitutional grounds. The court agreed that the mandate’s selection process violated the Constitution by not utilizing a properly-appointed task force. The court rejected the government’s claim that the issue could be retroactively fixed by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

The preventive care mandate is a part of the Affordable Care Act. The judge’s ruling did not impact preventive services recommended before the ACA, like breast cancer screenings. This ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between healthcare access and religious or constitutional objections.



Read more at Investing.com: Appeals court does not block US mandate to cover cancer screenings, HIV drugs By Reuters