California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in a legal initiative to maintain access to preventive healthcare services for Americans. The group filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court, supporting the Biden Administration's defense of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate. This mandate requires private insurers to cover specific preventive services, including screenings for various cancers and cardiovascular diseases, at no cost to consumers.
In March 2023, a Texas district court ruled that requiring private insurers to cover these preventive services was unconstitutional. The Fifth Circuit partially upheld this decision in June 2024. The Supreme Court is currently considering whether to hear the case.
"Preventive healthcare is not only lifesaving, but it addresses the root causes of illnesses, which leads to healthier futures for millions of Americans nationwide," said Attorney General Bonta. "That’s why I stand with my fellow attorneys general today in urging the Supreme Court to fully restore the ACA’s preventive care mandate."
Since its enactment, the ACA has enabled millions of Americans to access life-saving preventive medication and services. Studies indicate increased usage of services like blood pressure checks and flu vaccinations following the ACA's implementation.
The amicus brief highlights several public health benefits associated with the ACA's preventive healthcare mandate:
- Access to critical healthcare services that could prevent avoidable illnesses.
- Lowering financial barriers for marginalized communities traditionally underserved by health systems.
- Reducing burdens on state public health systems by focusing on prevention rather than reactive care.
Attorney General Bonta was joined by attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
A copy of the amicus brief is available online.