Obamacare can't require coverage for certain HIV prevention drugs, federal judge rules

(CNN)A federal judge in Texas on Wednesday struck down an Affordable Care 
Act requirement that insurers and employers offer plans that cover HIV-
prevention drugs.

The ruling came as part of a broader decision that was a partial victory 
to Obamacare opponents who challenged the Affordable Care Act mandates for 
coverage of preventive care services without charge.

US District Judge Reed O'Connor ruled that the requirement that employers 
offer insurance plans that cover HIV-prevention pills, known as PrEP 
drugs, violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The requirement's challengers, employers in Texas, argued that the mandate 
facilitated behavior to which they have religious objections.

As part of the ruling, O'Connor declared unconstitutional part of the 
broader preventive services mandate, which requires insurers and employers 
to cover screenings for cancer and heart disease, as well as programs for 
smoking cessation, among many others. However, the judge upheld certain 
services for children and women, as well as immunizations.

The extent of the ruling remains to be determined. O'Connor has requested 
both sides file additional briefs by Friday.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/07/politics/hiv-drugs-prep-affordable-care-
act/index.html