Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Department of Health & Human Services et al.

Docket No.
1:17-cv-11930
District Court
Massachusetts

Goal

  • Block enforcement of an agency action
  • Declaration that agency action is unlawful

Issues

Case History

Why this Matters:

The plaintiff argues that Trump administration regulations broadening exemptions for employers from the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to cover contraception without cost-sharing violates the Administrative Procedure Act, and the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. Broader exemptions to contraceptive coverage requirements could result in higher out-of-pocket costs and reduced access to services, making it more difficult for women to access this care.


Potential Impact:

Exempting employers and health insurers from covering otherwise required contraceptive care limits access to care, jeopardizing women’s health and increasing medical expenses for patients and state governments.

36 Major Filings

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Related Litigation

Current Status

Decision issued

Legal Issues

Administrative Procedure Act - Contrary to Law, Administrative Procedure Act - Notice and Comment Violation, Administrative Procedure Act - Lack of Statutory Authority, First Amendment - Establishment Clause, Fifth Amendment - Equal Protection Clause

Amicus Briefs for Plaintiff(s)

American Civil Liberties Union et al.

Amicus Briefs for Defendant(s)

Dordt College et al.

Topic(s)

Preventive Services

Date Filed
October 6, 2017
Case Type
Civil
Court Type
District Court
Court
Massachusetts
Judge
Gorton, Nathaniel M. Appointed By: George H.W. Bush
Plaintiff(s)
Commmonwealth of Massachusetts
Lead Counsel For Plaintiff(s)
Government
Defendant(s)
Department of Health and Human Services, Alex Michael Azar II, Department of the Treasury, Steven T. Mnuchin, Department of Labor, R. Alexander Acosta
Lead Counsel for Defendant(s)
Government