Supreme Court Faces Crucial Decision on Obamacare's Preventive Care Mandate

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on the legality of a pivotal element of Obamacare—formally known as the Affordable Care Act—that mandates insurers cover preventive medical services like cancer screenings for free. The ruling, expected this Friday, could significantly affect healthcare access across the nation.

The controversy centers around the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which plays a major role in selecting covered services under Obamacare. A lawsuit in federal court in Texas challenged the task force's structure, citing members' appointment without Senate confirmation, a practice at odds with the Constitution according to the plaintiffs. Public health advocates alarmed by the potential for crucial screenings and treatments to become cost-prohibitive if co-pays and deductibles are introduced.

Initiated by Democratic former President Joe Biden's administration, the appeal was later taken up by Republican President Donald Trump. A core issue is whether the task force's power deems its members as 'principal officers' needing presidential appointment and Senate approval. The Justice Department argues otherwise, asserting that the HHS Secretary's oversight suffices for 'inferior officers'.

(With inputs from agencies.)