CENTER UPDATE | MAY 2025

In this Issue:

  • Supreme Court Case Could Disrupt Free Preventive Healthcare Access
  • Vaccine Access and Coverage at Risk Amid Rising Infectious Disease Cases
  • ACA Enrollment at Record High, But Policy Changes Could Raise Costs
  • Remote Monitoring Use Grows Amid Concerns Over Value and Cost Alignment
  • Cancer Rates Decline, but Disparities Remain
  • Alternative Drug Funding Raises Costs and Concerns Among Patients
  • How Telehealth Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

Supreme Court Case Could Disrupt Free Preventive Healthcare Access

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in Kennedy v. Braidwood, a case that could upend no-cost coverage for dozens of preventive health services under the Affordable Care Act. At the heart of the case is whether the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has the constitutional authority to mandate insurance coverage without cost-sharing. V-BID Center Director, Mark Fendrick, M.D., who helped craft the ACA’s preventive care provision, warned that millions could lose access to vital services like cancer screenings, mental health evaluations, and cardiovascular disease prevention. “When Americans face out-of-pocket costs, many skip essential preventive care,” Fendrick said, adding that the potential rollback could have devastating public health and equity consequences. A decision is expected in June or July.

Vaccine Access and Coverage at Risk Amid Rising Infectious Disease Cases

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) guarantee of no-cost preventive services is under legal threat in Kennedy v. Braidwood, and HHS leadership changes could impact vaccine coverage moving forward. While most health plans must currently cover ACIP-recommended vaccines without cost-sharing, coverage for titer tests and non-ACIP vaccines varies widely. With public health funding cuts and insurance gaps for the underinsured, individuals are encouraged to consult both their healthcare providers and insurers to confirm what preventive services are covered.

ACA Enrollment Hits Record High, But Expiring Tax Credits and Policy Changes Could Raise Costs

ACA marketplace enrollment has reached a record 24 million, with 93% of enrollees receiving tax credits that have lowered premiums since 2021, especially for working-class families. However, these enhanced subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, and proposed federal policy changes would increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce plan value. If Congress does not act, consumers could face premium hikes ranging from $387 to $2,914 in 2026, paying more for coverage that offers less financial protection

Remote Monitoring Use Grows Amid Concerns Over Value and Cost Alignment

A report from the Peterson Center on Healthcare provides new guidance for policymakers regarding coverage and payment for remote monitoring technologies. The report is a synthesis of three separate evaluations of digital health tools and an analysis of trends in Medicare and Medicaid billing. It includes recommendations on reimbursement, access, and data collection to ensure this rapidly growing area of healthcare better serves patients, while avoiding an increase in spending on ineffective and wasteful services. 

Cancer Rates Decline, but Disparities Remain

Researchers reported that cancer death rates steadily declined from 2001 to 2022, thanks largely to decreases in lung and other smoking-related cancers. Overall, death rates dropped 1.3% to 2.1% annually, with a greater decline among men, though their rate remains 37% higher than women’s. Racial disparities persist; African Americans face the highest mortality, while Hispanics and Asian Americans have significantly lower rates. Gender gaps in cancer outcomes are wider within minority groups than among whites.

Alternative Drug Funding Raises Costs and Concerns for Patients

Regulators and lawmakers are raising concerns about alternative funding practices that may limit patient access and expose them to high costs. Some employers use “alternative funders” to avoid covering expensive drugs, shifting patients to charity programs meant for the uninsured. When these programs reject insured patients, individuals can be left with massive bills.

How Telehealth Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

A new study finds that telemedicine can significantly reduce carbon emissions by cutting down on in-person visits and travel. Researchers estimate that between April and June 2023, telehealth helped avoid emissions equivalent to those from 61,000 to 130,000 gas-powered vehicles each month. The U.S. health system contributes nearly 9% of national emissions, prompting interest in lower-carbon care options.

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