California Medical Association President Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management Inc. that preserves the Affordable Care Act’s coverage of preventive health care at no cost to patients:

“The Affordable Care Act has been instrumental in ensuring patients have access to both preventative and lifesaving care, and we are glad to see that an important provision was protected today. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act’s no-cost coverage for preventive care protects a cornerstone of public health policy, one that saves lives and reduces long-term health care costs.

“This critical protection ensures patients can continue to receive essential services, such as annual exams, cancer screenings, and vaccinations – care that catches illness early, prevents disease and improves health outcomes.

“Patients should not be forced to choose between their health and their financial well-being. Today’s ruling reaffirms that prevention is not a luxury, but a necessity. We are relieved that millions of Americans will retain timely access to the care they need.”