Under the federal Affordable Care Act, private insurers must provide coverage for specific evidence-based preventive services, including screenings, vaccines, and medications. The services that insurers must cover are based on recommendations made by federal entities, primarily the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Recent changes to the leadership and membership of USPSTF, as happened in the past to ACIP, has raised concerns over the independence and scientific credibility of this critical body and its ability to provide necessary recommendations on preventive medical care that must be covered by insurers without cost-sharing.
 
To ensure that Pennsylvanians maintain access to essential preventive medical care, we are introducing legislation that would require insurers to provide coverage for all preventive services recommended by USPSTF, ACIP, and HRSA as of January 1, 2025. The Pennsylvania Department of Health would also have the authority to add or remove preventive service requirements based on widely reviewed scientific evidence.
 
Preventive services help people live longer, healthier lives through the early detection of potential health problems. It is critical that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to these services based on up-to-date, science-based determinations.
 
Please join us in sponsoring this important legislation that will protect access to preventive services for all Pennsylvanians.