Mich. Gov. Whitmer Takes Immediate Action to Protect Preventive Healthcare Insurance Coverage Following Texas Court Decision

LANSING, Michigan, April 4 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on April 3, 2023:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to take immediate action to protect Michiganders following a Texas federal judge's decision in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra that struck down the Affordable Care Act requirement that health insurers cover and pay for certain preventive care services without additional cost to the patient.

"Protecting access to affordable early detection screenings for colon and skin cancer, high blood pressure, and other preventive healthcare services will save lives, reduce overall healthcare costs, and ensure a stable, healthy workforce for Michigan employers," said Governor Whitmer. "The recent federal ruling striking down requirements for insurers to cover these services will put people's health at risk and could raise their bills. That's why I am taking action today to protect preventive health services that have long been covered by their insurance so Michiganders can get the care they need without worrying about whether they can afford it."

The recent court decision jeopardizes access to basic services and could increase costs for families for things like screening for early detection of colon and skin cancer, high blood pressure, hepatitis, some types of prenatal care, like screening for preeclampsia, and important tests that help keep our kids safe and healthy.

"The recent court decision jeopardizes access to preventive healthcare services that allow Michiganders to address health problems before they become serious, when they can more successfully be treated," said DIFS Director Anita Fox. "Under Governor Whitmer's leadership, DIFS will work with fellow regulators across the country, the industry, and any other partners as appropriate to ensure that Michigan families continue to have affordable coverage for these lifesaving healthcare services."

Governor Whitmer's letter directs the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to do the following:

* Promptly issue guidance to help inform Michiganders of which preventive care services are affected by the court's decision.

* Immediately begin working with Michigan's health insurers to determine what steps can be taken to ensure that Michigan families continue to have affordable coverage for these lifesaving healthcare services.

* Develop recommendations as to other ways the State of Michigan can take action to ensure every Michigander continues to receive preventive healthcare now and in the future.

The decision in Braidwood Management, Inc. v. Becerra has been appealed (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/31/statement-from-white-house-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre/).

Michiganders with questions about their health insurance can visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

State officials are currently reviewing the decision to determine the impact to Michiganders. The letter can be viewed here (https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MIEOG/2023/04/03/file_attachments/2456219/ACA.Letter4.3.23.pdf).

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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/04/03/whitmer-takes-action-to-protect-preventive-healthcare-insurance-coverage-following-texas-decision