Fact Check: Supreme Court ruling impacts Obamacare preventive coverage and FCC broadband fund!

Fact Check: Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Obamacare Preventive Coverage and FCC Broadband Fund!

What We Know

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two significant rulings that have implications for both the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband funding.

1. Obamacare Preventive Coverage: The Supreme Court upheld a key provision of the ACA that mandates insurance companies to provide certain preventive services at no cost to patients. This ruling affects approximately 150 million Americans who rely on these services, which include essential health screenings and vaccinations (NPR, AP News).

2. FCC Broadband Fund: In a separate ruling, the Court upheld the FCC's funding mechanism for expanding broadband access, which had been challenged as unconstitutional. The decision reversed a lower court ruling that deemed the FCC's funding approach a "misbegotten tax" on telecommunications companies. This ruling supports the continuation of the Universal Service Fund, which aims to provide internet access to underserved communities (Reuters, Washington Post).

Analysis

The claim that the Supreme Court ruling impacts both Obamacare preventive coverage and the FCC broadband fund is partially true.

• Obamacare Preventive Coverage: The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the ACA's preventive care provision is a significant victory for public health. It ensures that essential health services remain accessible without out-of-pocket costs, which is crucial for preventive health measures (NPR, New York Times). This ruling reflects the Court's support for maintaining broad access to healthcare services under the ACA, despite ongoing legal challenges.

• FCC Broadband Fund: The ruling regarding the FCC's funding mechanism is also critical, as it allows the agency to continue its efforts to expand broadband access. The decision indicates a judicial endorsement of the FCC's authority to implement funding strategies aimed at improving telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas (Reuters, Washington Post). However, the characterization of the FCC's funding as a "tax" was a contentious point, and the ruling clarifies the legal standing of such funding mechanisms.

While both rulings are indeed impactful, they address separate issues within the healthcare and telecommunications sectors. The connection between the two is primarily through the Supreme Court's overarching authority in interpreting laws that affect public welfare.

Conclusion

The claim that the Supreme Court ruling impacts both Obamacare preventive coverage and the FCC broadband fund is partially true. The Court's decisions affirm significant provisions in both the ACA and FCC funding strategies, but they are distinct rulings addressing separate legal challenges. The rulings collectively highlight the Court's role in shaping policies that affect public health and access to essential services.

Sources

1. PDF Supreme Court of The United States
2. US Supreme Court backs FCC's defense of fund for expanded telecom ...
3. Supreme Court upholds key Obamacare measure on preventive care
4. Supreme Court upholds program providing internet access ...
5. Supreme Court upholds Obamacare preventive care mandate | AP News
6. Supreme Court upholds $8 billion fund for internet and ...
7. US Supreme Court preserves key element of Obamacare ...
8. Supreme Court Upholds Preventive Care Provision in Affordable Care Act ...