GLMA and Leading Health Organizations Applaud U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Take the Case of Braidwood v. Becerra, Urge the Justices to Protect Access to Preventive Services

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025

Contact: Eli Duffy
Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships
eduffy@glma.org

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to grant the government’s petition for certiorari in the Braidwood Management v. Becerra case. At the core of this case is the requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for most insurers to cover preventive services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) without cost-sharing by patients. 

In October 2024, GLMA joined 35 patient and medical professional organizations in filing an amicus brief, urging the Supreme Court to take the case and reverse the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as to the constitutionality of the provisions relating to the USPSTF. They argue that the ruling at stake threatens to drastically reduce insurance coverage for USPSTF-recommended services, deter utilization of those services, worsen patient outcomes and potentially increase costs. 

"GLMA is a longstanding D&I partner of the USPSTF, and we have seen firsthand the transformative impact preventive services have on health outcomes, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community," said Alex Sheldon, MA, GLMA Executive Director. "These provisions have significantly improved the health and well-being of millions of Americans for over a decade. Scaling back insurance coverage for these services would not only worsen patient outcomes but also drive up long-term healthcare costs in already vulnerable communities across the country. Preventive care isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a critical lifeline, and no one should be priced out of access.”

Learn more about the American Cancer Society and explore the full list of organizations participating in this effort in this joint statement.

About GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities and equality for LGBTQ+ health professionals in their work and learning environments.  To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research. glma.org