Statement: SCOTUS Decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc.

In the case of Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled in favor of Kennedy, upholding the structure of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision requiring insurance plans to provide no-cost preventive care for Americans. 

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) applauds the Court’s decision to uphold these critical protections, providing Americans with continued free access to important screenings, such as those for colorectal cancer. For the past 15 years, Americans have been provided with no-cost colorectal cancer screening, and it has proven to be a lifesaving tool to reduce incidence and lower mortality. 

"Today’s Supreme Court decision is a resounding victory for the health of our nation,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “Upholding the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and no-cost preventive care means millions of Americans will continue to have access to screenings that save lives every single day. At a time when colorectal cancer is rising rapidly in younger populations and remains a leading cause of cancer death, this ruling ensures that financial barriers won’t compromise disease prevention and early detection."

Why Continued No-Cost Preventive Colorectal Cancer Screening is Crucial:

• Colorectal cancer (which includes cancers of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. and is on the rise among Americans under 50. 
• It is the number one cause of cancer-related death among men under 50 and is predicted to become number one among all adults under 50 within the next five years. 
• According to a 2023 report released by the American Cancer Society, diagnoses in individuals under 55 have nearly doubled from 11% (1 in 10) in 1995 to 20% (1 in 5) in 2019.
• Colorectal cancer screening can prevent the disease from forming or catch it at its earliest stage, when it has a 91% survival rate. 
• Cutting access to free preventive screenings would have devastating and lasting impact on the American people, especially those in underserved communities who are most at risk. 
• Full coverage of preventive care increases access, helps people stay healthy, and reduces racial disparities in health outcomes.

The Alliance recommends that Americans know the risk factors for colorectal cancer and get screened to help prevent the disease. The Alliance offers a free screening recommendation based on personal risk at getscreened.org.

About the Colorectal Cancer Alliance

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance advocates for prevention through initiatives like LEAD FROM BEHIND, magnifies support with BlueHQ, and accelerates research through Project Cure CRC. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime. For more information, visit colorectalcancer.org.  

Media Contact
Emily Blasi
eblasi@ccalliance.org
(202) 971-9964