* The Hill…
A federal judge in Texas struck down a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires insurers and employers to cover preventive services for free, including cancer screenings and HIV drugs.
The ruling by Judge Reed O’Connor of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas — who previously struck down the entire ObamaCare law before it was upheld by the Supreme Court — applies nationwide.
It immediately jeopardizes access to treatment for the approximately 100 million Americans who use free preventive services annually, and it leaves the door open for insurers to impose deductibles and copays for potentially life-saving screening tests.
The ACA requires insurers to cover, without cost-sharing, more than 100 preventive health services recommended by the U.S Preventive Services Task Force. Cost sharing will likely deter patients — particularly those of limited means — from scheduling mammograms, colonoscopies and other procedures.
More…
Other preventive care mandates under the ACA remain in effect. The decision applies to Task Force recommendations issued on or after March 23, 2010 – the day the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. While the group had recommended various preventive services prior to that date, nearly all have since been updated or expanded.
It is likely the case will be appealed, and the Justice Department has the option to ask that O’Connor’s ruling be put on pause while the appeal is litigated.
* React…
- Demoralized - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 2:45 pm:
Just another in a line of despicable rulings coming out of the federal judiciary in Texas.
- Nuke The Whales - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 2:48 pm:
“A federal judge in Texas” continues to be the five most haunting words in the English language.
- Nick - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 2:52 pm:
This was a problem during Trumps term, just as it’s now becoming one under Bidens.
It’s ridiculous that any single random district court judge in the country can issue nationwide injunctions and dictate entire federal policy. In this case
O’Connor might literally be the most ideological jurist in the entire system.
- Jerry - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 3:00 pm:
Glad Dr. Reed O’Conner is around to determine what is appropriate preventative health care and what isn’t./s
- H-W - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 3:08 pm:
So glad I have my colonoscopy last month, under my insurance plan (free). At 64, the Dr. found an abnormality, and it was determined to be pre-cancerous.
Now I am expected to have a colonoscopy every five years.
I cannot imagine having not had my “preventative health care” procedure because I (no one) could not afford it. I would literally be waiting for the cancer to manifest itself, unknowingly, because no one can afford medical procedures these days.
- Sir Reel - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 3:24 pm:
Ah yes religion. Form a new church, say it’s against some law, and, like magic you can negate the law. What a racket.
- Google Is Your Friend - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 3:34 pm:
Which Eastern Bloc member will revive chickens for checkups?
- Demoralized - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 3:40 pm:
Well, this happened just in time for the thousands of people that are about to be kicked off of Medicaid and will have to seek insurance through the marketplace. Sorry folks. No preventative medicine for you. Thanks Judge Genius
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 3:59 pm:
What’s more important, preventive healthcare or nonexistent culture issues like CRT taught in grade schools? Unfortunately, based on their political preferences, many would live in misery and sickness as long they can indulge in their bigotry.
- Yiddishcowboy - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 4:19 pm:
To: Residents of Texas that Understand the Importance of and Take Advantage of Preventive Medical Services
From: Illinois/Gov. JB
Re: A Federal Judge from Texas Playing Physician
Illinois welcomes you. Don’t look back. Come.
- Nick Name - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 4:22 pm:
Proud of our blue state and Gov. Pritzker.
- Roadrager - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 4:39 pm:
Health insurance that doesn’t actually cover healthcare. Because anything else would be socialism. Enjoy your Freedom Polyps, courtesy of the red, white, and blue.
- Tired teacher - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 4:42 pm:
Nick Name - I am too.
To Texas judge : appalling
- don the legend - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 4:49 pm:
GOP possible response: “People need to pull themselves up by their own stethoscopes.”
- Stix Hix - Thursday, Mar 30, 23 @ 6:05 pm:
Dollars to doughnuts, I would bet real money this judge has 100% coverage of all these services, and more.
Another thing wrong–Judge Reed O’Connor, like all folks in Texas should have two first names, like Judge Reed ‘Bob’ O’Connor.