Federal Judge Rules that Certain Provisions of the Affordable Care Act Cannot Be Enforced Nationwide, Impacting Millions of Americans

A federal judge in Texas has ruled that some provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cannot be enforced nationwide, including those that require insurers to cover a wide array of preventive care services at no cost to the patient.

US District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled that the US Preventive Services Task Force, which is tasked with determining some of the preventive care treatments that Obamacare requires to be covered, violates the appointments clause of the Constitution and thus its related preventive care mandates are unlawful.

The ruling could jeopardize coverage nationwide for people relying on preventive services such as screenings for cancer, reproductive health, HIV, hypertension and mental health. It also affects the ACA’s requirement that insurers and employers offer coverage for certain preventive services, including smoking cessation programs.

The decision has been met with criticism from healthcare advocates, who argue that the ruling could have a significant impact on the health of millions of Americans. The ruling could also have a major impact on the healthcare industry, as insurers may no longer be required to provide certain preventive care services at no cost to the patient.

The ruling is expected to be appealed, and it remains to be seen whether the decision will be upheld. In the meantime, the ACA remains in effect and its provisions are still in force.