Texas District Court Decision Says Employer-Sponsored Health Plans Not Required To Cover Preventive Services

On September 7, 2022, a district court judge in Texas ruled that employer-sponsored health plans cannot be required to cover preventive services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The ruling is based on the judge’s opinion that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirement that health plans cover preventive services recommended by USPSTF violates the constitution because the USPSTF members are not appointed by the president or confirmed by the Senate.

The judge did not issue an order blocking enforcement of the coverage requirements. He asked the plaintiffs and HHS to submit . . .