Ann Arbor Times

University of Michigan physician and researcher, Mark Fendrick, is prepared to discuss the current Supreme Court case, Braidwood v. Kennedy, which questions a significant part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The oral arguments for this case are being held today at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The case centers on a provision in the ACA that allows nearly every American to receive preventive health care services, including cancer screenings and vaccines, at no cost. This applies under most health insurance plans.

Fendrick, who serves as a professor at the U-M Medical School and School of Public Health, is also a member of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. His research has contributed to the understanding of how out-of-pocket costs influence health-related decisions, which plays a role in the ACA provision under consideration.

He stated, “As nearly half of Americans report that they have skipped or delayed medical care because of cost, there’s a lot at risk here. The imposition of out-of-pocket costs for these preventive services will likely lead to a reduction in their use, including some that are potentially lifesaving."

Fendrick further commented on the potential impact on policy, saying, "I am hopeful that the fact that the Trump administration’s decision to defend this policy that requires nearly every insured American to access many preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs will sway some of the conservative Supreme Court justices to maintain the status quo and keep these essential preventive services widely accessible.”

For more details on the case, Fendrick's team at the U-M Center for Value-Based Insurance Design can provide additional information. A ruling from the Supreme Court is anticipated later in the spring.