Public Interest

Cancer ScreeningsFederal Judge’s Ruling Allows Insurers to Omit Free HIV-Prevention Drugs and Some
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

A federal judge in Fort Worth, Texas, has blocked requirements for insurers to provide certain preventive-care services for free, including drugs for HIV prevention and screenings for depression, high blood pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, and some kinds of cancer. U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas ruled on Thursday in a lawsuit filed by six individuals and two businesses, including Braidwood Management Inc., a Christian for-profit corporation.

In his decision, Judge O’Connor gave nationwide effect to his previous September 2022 decision on the validity of the task force that adopted the mandates under the Affordable Care Act. In that decision, he ruled that coverage mandates adopted by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force were invalid because task force members were appointed in violation of the appointments clause. O’Connor also ruled in the previous decision that the mandate for HIV-prevention drugs violated the rights of religious plaintiffs under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

However, in his latest decision, O’Connor did not decide on a remedy. The plaintiffs wanted the option to purchase health coverage that did not include mandated coverage for services they did not use. Religious plaintiffs objected to HIV prevention coverage because it promoted behavior against their beliefs.

  
What
Where


The decision by Judge O’Connor could have significant implications for individuals seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage. Preventive-care requirements adopted by two other groups created by the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices were not invalidated by O’Connor’s September decision on the validity of the task force. A United States of Care fact sheet lists the preventive-service mandates adopted by each group.

Knowledge is power, and knowing your earning potential is no exception. Check out LawCrossing’s salary surveys to gain valuable insights.

Natalie Davis, CEO and co-founder of United States of Care, criticized O’Connor’s March 30 decision in a press release, stating that “this decision introduces uncertainty into an aspect of the healthcare system that people have benefited from for nearly a decade: access to preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs. This ruling means that nearly half of Americans, over 151 million, may lose access to free preventive services, such as mental health, weight loss measures, and various cancer screenings that we have all come to depend on.”

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




Davis added, “this is yet another step on the dangerous path to allowing politicians and judges to make healthcare decisions, overruling nonpartisan experts who have the best interests of the public in mind.” The ruling has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential impact on millions of Americans’ access to preventive healthcare services.

In conclusion, Judge O’Connor’s decision to block requirements for insurers to provide certain preventive-care services for free, including drugs for HIV prevention and some cancer screenings, could have significant implications for individuals seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage. The decision has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential impact on millions of Americans’ access to preventive healthcare services.





 

RELEVANT JOBS

Corporate Attorney for Technology-Focused Law Firm - Remote, Part Time, Flexible

USA-CO-Denver

Corporate Attorney for Technology-Focused Law Firm Location: Remote / Flexible Compensati...

Apply now

Civil Litigation Attorney

USA-CA-Beverly Hills

Civil Litigation Attorney | Personal Injury Jalilvand Law Corporation (JLC) Compensation: $125,0...

Apply now

Associate Attorney

USA-KS-Wichita

Associate Attorney    Growing Wichita KS law firm seeks an attorney with a passion f...

Apply now

Associate

USA-MA-Boston

We are a respected boutique law firm practicing labor law, employment law, public employee retiremen...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top