FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Taylor.Hall@cancer.org or Media Relations
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and its companion case, Relentless v. Dept. of Commerce. The cases put in question the “Chevron deference” that protects the legal stability of public health programs like Medicare and Medicaid that benefit nearly half of the U.S. population by ensuring that laws passed by Congress can continue to be interpreted and implemented by expert federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
National health groups filed an amicus brief in September noting their concern, providing real-world examples of how the Chevron deference keeps the legal framework of Medicare and Medicaid in the hands of relevant policy experts at CMS. The following statement is on behalf of the patient, medical and public health groups listed below.
“Jurisdiction over massive health programs like Medicaid and Medicare and interpretation of complex health policies that govern the American health system should remain with the authority of federal executive agencies tasked by Congress to lead such relevant and critical work.”
“In a shared mission to protect and advance public health, our organizations urge the Supreme Court to uphold the long-standing Chevron precedent and ensure the continued stability and strength of our nation’s health care system that serves millions with cancer and other chronic diseases.”
The above statement is on behalf of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Lung Association, American Public Health Association, Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids, Child Neurology Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association. National Health Law Program, Physicians for Social Responsibility, The ALS Association, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Truth Initiative.
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence policy to improve the public's health. Learn more at www.apha.org.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.