FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
From Paps to PrEP: SCOTUS to Determine Access to Life-Saving Health Benefits
(Washington, DC) – Today, the Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments for the Kennedy v. Braidwood case that aims to repeal access to many critical preventive services covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that young adults rely on, including screenings for behavioral health conditions, cancer, HIV and PrEP, and pregnancy care.
Preventive services outlined under the ACA are vital to the well-being and health of young adults. Due to this provision, over 150 million people have benefited from access to life-saving preventive care. During a critical time of development and transition, these services provide necessary care to ensure their health’s future.
SCOTUS is expected to rule on this case in June or July. However, regardless of how the Court rules, it will likely not be the final word on no-cost coverage of preventive services. A ruling for the plaintiffs could create a slippery slope towards coverage losses for no-cost preventive services, like immunizations and contraceptives.
In response, Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles said:
“As the Affordable Care Act faces yet another threat, it’s the health of young people that may suffer the most devastating consequences of this Supreme Court case. No longer requiring insurers to cover preventive care would be reckless and life-threatening for young adults..
With a mental health crisis ongoing, cancer rates rising among young people, and access to reproductive care being attacked, young adults cannot afford to see their access to behavioral health and cancer screenings stripped away. Additionally, over 80 percent of PrEP users are covered by health insurance plans that would be affected by this decision, and research shows that introducing even minimal out of pocket costs for PrEP would lead to 2,000 more HIV infections per year.
The ramifications of the Supreme Court’s ruling could be detrimental to the current and future health of millions of young adults and Americans. In addition to this case, the ACA is yet again facing attacks from all sides. As the cost of living continues to rise in the US, stripping benefits and making health care even more expensive will only contribute to the challenges young adults face in achieving physical, mental, and financial health.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org