On the basis of government appointment technicalities and religious freedom, Americans may lose free coverage for cancer and blood pressure screenings, HIV prevention medication and other essential services.
Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in a case that coverage for HIV prevention medicine PrEP violated the religious freedom of the plaintiffs. It is unclear whether the order will extend nationwide.
The Affordable Care Act has allowed many preventive health services, including cancer screenings and vaccines, to be free of charge. But legal challenges may lead to costly repercussions for patients.
Obamacare, while highly controversial, has been a tough law to kill. The efforts of a federal district judge in Texas had seemed yet another ineffective assault. Then came the DOJ’s actions Monday.
If a person in the US has lots of money, he or she has access to some of the best health care in the world. The story is very different for poor people and minorities.
A judge in Texas ruled Dec. 14 that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. His ruling has no immediate effect, however, except to signal more perils ahead for the health care law.