Overhaul Of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force May Impact Coverage Of Screenings

Article excerpt

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which influences what preventive screenings insurance companies must cover, faces potential restructuring that could eliminate coverage for some previously covered tests. The agency's recommendations carry significant weight, insurers must cover most screenings rated A or B without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act. Changes to the task force's composition or methodology could reshape which preventive services Americans can access without paying out of pocket, potentially affecting screenings for cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. The upheaval raises questions about how Americans will afford preventive care if coverage is rolled back.