Fact Check: Court's 6-3 decision protects ACA's preventive services from legal challenges.

Fact Check: Court's 6-3 Decision Protects ACA's Preventive Services from Legal Challenges

What We Know

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in a case concerning the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that upheld a key provision related to preventive health services. The court's decision, which was passed with a 6-3 vote, confirmed that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has the authority to determine which preventive services are provided at no cost to patients under the ACA. This ruling ensures that approximately 150 million Americans will continue to receive free preventive services, including essential treatments and screenings, without out-of-pocket costs (NPR, Washington Post).

The case arose from a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the appointment process for members of the USPSTF. The plaintiffs argued that the appointments were unconstitutional, but the Supreme Court disagreed, affirming that the Department of Health and Human Services possesses the authority to appoint task force members (Reuters, New York Times). Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, emphasized that the task force operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, thereby maintaining a proper chain of command (NPR).

Analysis

The Supreme Court's decision is significant as it not only preserves the ACA's preventive services but also reinforces the authority of federal health agencies in determining essential health benefits. The ruling has been widely reported and analyzed across various reputable news outlets, including Politico and NPR, which confirm the court's majority opinion and the implications for millions of Americans relying on these services.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this decision is high. Major news organizations such as NPR, Reuters, and the Washington Post have established reputations for thorough reporting and fact-checking. They provide detailed accounts of the case, the arguments presented, and the implications of the ruling. Additionally, the decision was made public by the Supreme Court itself, which adds a layer of authenticity to the claims being reported (Washington Post, New York Times).

Critics of the ACA have expressed concerns that the ruling may encourage further legal challenges to other aspects of the health care law. However, the court's decision appears to create a precedent that solidifies the ACA's preventive care provisions, making it more difficult for future challenges to succeed (NPR, Politico).

Conclusion

The claim that the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision protects the ACA's preventive services from legal challenges is True. The ruling not only upholds the ACA's provisions for free preventive services but also affirms the authority of the USPSTF in determining which services are covered. This decision is expected to have a lasting impact on health care access for millions of Americans.

Fact Check: Court's 6-3 decision protects ACA's preventive services from legal challenges.