Patient groups representing millions of Americans with serious health conditions are voicing concern about access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage after U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon upheld an administration rule expanding access to short-term limited-duration (STLD) health plans.

Today the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will mark-up a series of bills aimed at reducing patient out-of-pocket costs and preserving access to health care. Specifically, the committee will consider a measure that would exempt patients from having to pay surprise medical bills in most circumstances.

Patient groups are urging the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to prioritize patient protections, including those for people with pre-existing conditions, when it hears oral arguments today in the case Texas v. United States