Supreme Court Weighs Constitutionality of Preventive Care Task Force

The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which recommends which preventive health services insurers must cover at no cost under the Affordable Care Act, is constitutionally structured. At issue is whether task force members should be considered 'principal officers' requiring presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, rather than being appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Several justices, including conservatives, expressed skepticism about the challengers' claim that the task force is too independent, noting that its members can be removed by the HHS secretary and that the secretary retains authority to approve its recommendations. The outcome could affect access to preventive services such as cancer screenings, HIV prevention medications, and other treatments for millions of Americans. The case originated from a Texas business objecting to certain mandates on religious grounds, but justices appeared divided on whether the current appointment process violates constitutional requirements. The decision could have significant implications for the future of cost-free preventive care under the ACA.