New Federal Court Ruling Could Impact Patient Health, Primary Care

In a new Braidwood v. Becerra ruling with implications for patient health and primary care practices nationwide, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s March 30 order blocked federal requirements that certain health plans cover the U.S. Preventive Task Force’s (USPTF’s) preventive services recommendations without cost to patients. 

Among the primary care services affected by O’Connor’s order are screenings for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer, diabetes screenings, various screenings and interventions for pregnant people, statin use to prevent cardiovascular disease, vision screening for children and more.

On the day of the ruling, to mitigate impacts for individuals enrolled in commercial and employer-based High-Deductible Health Plans, Primary Care Collaborative, several PCC members and the Smarter HealthCare Coalition allies have called on the Biden Administration to allow those plans can to cover selected chronic care and preventive services before reaching the deductible.