Fact Check: Supreme Court Upholds Free Preventive Care for 150 Million Americans
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which ensures that approximately 150 million Americans continue to receive many preventive health services at no cost. The ruling was decided by a 6-3 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh joining the three liberal justices in the majority (NPR). The case centered around the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which recommends which preventive services should be covered without cost-sharing under insurance policies. The court found that the task force's appointment process did not violate the Constitution, as it is overseen by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (AP News).
The lawsuit was initiated by Christian employers who objected to the mandate requiring coverage for certain preventive services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. They argued that this mandate contradicted their religious beliefs. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the task force's recommendations are valid and that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the authority to appoint its members (NPR).
Analysis
The Supreme Court's decision is significant as it preserves access to free preventive care for millions of Americans, which has been a cornerstone of the ACA since its implementation over a decade ago. Justice Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, emphasized that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has substantial control over the task force, including the ability to remove members, thereby ensuring accountability (AP News).
Critics of the ruling, including dissenting Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch, argued that the task force's members should be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, as they are not merely advisory but play a crucial role in determining health coverage standards (NPR). This dissent highlights a potential conflict regarding the separation of powers and the role of the executive branch in health care policy.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a comprehensive view of the court's decision and its implications. NPR and AP News are well-respected news organizations known for their thorough reporting and analysis of legal matters, particularly those involving the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
The claim that the Supreme Court upheld free preventive care for 150 million Americans is True. The court's ruling not only affirms the ACA's preventive care provisions but also reinforces the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in overseeing the task force responsible for determining which services are covered. This decision is crucial for maintaining access to essential health services without cost-sharing, thereby promoting public health.
