Federal Judge Ruling to Stop No Cost Preventive Care for Small Businesses that Rely on the ACA is Short-sighted and Harmful

For Immediate Release: 
Thursday, March 30, 2023

Statement from John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, on negative impact of ruling that would require entrepreneurs and small business employees to pay out of pocket for some preventive and wellness services

“We are deeply disappointed by Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling in favor of undermining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by allowing insurers to no longer cover some preventive care services at no cost. 

This ruling will harm the small business community because the ACA’s requirement that insurers cover critical preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs helped narrow healthcare disparities. This enabled smaller firms to provide affordable healthcare options to employees, promoting a healthier workforce while lowering out-of-pocket costs. The ruling weakens this important mandate and puts the onus on individuals to pay for these critical services rather than the insurer. 

Our recent poll shows that healthcare remains a top priority for small businesses, with 69% ranking the cost of healthcare/health insurance as a top issue, and 71% hoping that policymakers will prioritize bringing down the cost of healthcare.  

Small business owners and their employees need affordable health coverage, which is why it’s critical that all preventive care be provided with no out-of-pocket cost as required by the ACA. We urge the Justice Department to appeal this decision swiftly to ensure those in the small business community can continue to access the comprehensive health coverage they depend on.”

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About Small Business Majority

Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. We engage our network of more than 85,000 small businesses and 1,500 business and community organizations to advocate for public policy solutions and deliver resources to entrepreneurs that promote equitable small business growth. Our deep connections with the small business community along with our scientific research enable us to educate the public about key issues impacting America’s entrepreneurs, with a special focus on advancing the smallest businesses and those facing systemic inequalities. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

Press State: 
National