DOL Releases Guidance on Impact of Braidwood Decision on Preventative Services

The DOL has now released guidance clarifying the impact of the Texas Court ruling against cost-free preventative care under the ACA. According to the DOL, the Braidwooddecision prevents the enforcement of the preventive coverage requirements for items and services recommended with an "A" or "B" on or after March 23, 2010. This means that plans and issuers must continue to cover, without cost sharing, items and services recommended with an "A" or "B" rating before March 23, 2010. The DOL does recommend and encourage that plans continue to cover all preventive items and services until the case has been fully litigated. Plans must continue certain items and services, including immunizations recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Contraceptive services, breastfeeding services and supplies, cervical cancer screening, and pediatric preventive care recommended by the Health Resources and Services Administration must also continue to be covered without cost sharing.For more information on the Affordable Care Act mandates, visit Tax Facts Online. : Q 8883.