09.07.2022 / Statement

Families USA’s Isasi – We can’t go backwards by eliminating preventive services that help millions stay healthy

WASHINGTON, DC – Families USA executive director Frederick Isasi issued the following statement today on U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruling to invalidate access to a wide variety of preventive services that are now free to privately insured consumers through the Affordable Care Act.

“Today, the health and well-being of more than 150 million people who receive free preventative care through the ACA are now in jeopardy due to Judge O’Connor’s ruling.

“The ruling directly takes aim at HIV prevention drugs. In addition, families, seniors and adults are in danger of losing access to other key services to help them prevent illnesses, such as screening for cancers, heart diseases, hypertension, and osteoporosis and screening and counseling for drug use.

“In the midst of President Biden and Congress passing the Inflation Reduction Act last month — containing key health care provisions — it is unconscionable that Judge O’Connor declared requiring coverage of these life-saving services unconstitutional.

“We can’t go backwards by going against what Congress wanted when they passed the ACA into law. We need to preserve these services because they can help us all get and stay healthy.”