Statement from Patient Groups in Response to Ruling in Braidwood v Becerra (formerly known as Kelley v Becerra)

“The ruling on September 7 by a federal district judge in Texas could significantly undermine access to required cost-free coverage for preventive services in the Affordable Care Act as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Individuals will not immediately lose access to these preventive services because the Court has not yet ruled on the scope of relief or remedy. However, this decision could ultimately allow the reinstatement of financial barriers that in the past discouraged all too many Americans from obtaining preventive care, such as screenings for cancer and hypertension, helping people who smoke quit, and preventive care for pregnant women and babies. 
 
“Among the Affordable Care Act’s most popular and effective provisions have been the requirement that insurance cover – without cost-sharing – services that help screen for and prevent disease. Access to preventive healthcare can prevent both disease and early death. In recent years, more than 150 million Americans have benefited from expanded access to preventive services under the Affordable Care Act. Studies repeatedly show that high-quality coverage, complete with preventive services, improves the overall health of individuals and our country, lowers overall health spending, and reduces health disparities. 
 
“This ruling directly threatens these benefits and would result in a return to financial and other barriers proven to discourage Americans from obtaining lifesaving, preventive care. Our organizations are deeply committed to ensuring everyone has access to the care they need, and we will vigorously defend individuals’ rights to access these critical services.” 
 
The AIDS Institute 
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network 
American Heart Association 
American Kidney Fund 
American Lung Association 
Arthritis Foundation 
Cancer Support Community 
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 
Epilepsy Foundation 
Hemophilia Federation of America 
JDRF 
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 
Lupus Foundation of America 
The Mended Hearts, Inc. 
Muscular Dystrophy Association 
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship 
National Health Council 
National Hemophilia Foundation 
National Kidney Foundation 
National Multiple Sclerosis Society 
National Organization for Rare Disorders 
National Patient Advocate Foundation 
National Psoriasis Foundation 
Susan G. Komen 
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease