Michigan insurers keep preventative health care free despite federal judge’s ruling

(CBS DETROIT) – Michigan insurers have agreed to keep preventive health care services free after a Texas federal judge ruled to void the service under the Affordable Care Act.

MORE: Detroit Clinic speaks out on decision to rescind ACA’s preventive care mandate

According to a press release, the following insurance companies have agreed to continue coverage at no cost:

• Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of Michigan Inc.
• Michigan Blue Care Network
• Michigan Blue Shield Blue Cross
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
• Alliance Health Plan, Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company
• Humana Insurance Company
• Michigan Humana Medical Plan
• McLaren Health Plan Community
• Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc.
• Molina Healthcare of Michigan
• Nippon Life Insurance Company of America
• Oscar insurance company
• Physician Health Plan
• Health priority
• UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc.
• American health and life insurance company
• Wellfleet Insurance Company

Officials say about 2.1 million Michiganders will maintain their current preventative health coverage as the decision is appealed.

“Preventive health care saves lives, and that’s why we’re taking immediate action to ensure this critical coverage continues,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release. “No one should have to wait for a court decision to decide if they can afford to see a doctor. As the legal process moves forward, we will continue to take proactive steps to protect health care people.”

Last week, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled that part of the ACA requiring insurance companies to cover preventive services without charging patients is unconstitutional. The decision is expected to affect at least 150 million people.

Following the ruling, Whitmer sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) advising residents of the preventative care services that would be affected by the ruling and working with insurers to determine what action to take. take to ensure that families can always have affordable coverage. .

“These agreements provide certainty for consumers and ensure that coverage for free preventive health care services continues despite the Texas court ruling until the issues are finally and fully resolved on appeals in this legal proceeding.” , said the director of the DIFS, Anita Fox, in a press release. release. “Preventive health care services improve health outcomes and reduce costs, and we will continue to work to ensure Michigan families continue to have access to the free, life-saving preventative care they received prior to this decision.”

State officials say the agreement to maintain free coverage applies to Michigan’s fully insured health insurance plans in the individual, small group and large group markets. Residents who have self-funded group health coverage are advised to contact their insurer or employer for any potential changes.