AUSTIN, Texas (NEWSnet/AP) — A federal judge in Texas who previously ruled to dismantle the Affordable Care Act struck down a narrower but key part of the nation’s health law Thursday that requires most insurers to cover preventive services that include screenings for cancer, diabetes and mental health.

Other no-cost services, including HIV screenings, are also impacted under the ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor.

The case was brought by a conservative activist and a Christian dentist who opposed mandatory coverage for contraception and HIV prevention on religious grounds.

O'Connor believes the section of the law was illegal because it defers to a volunteer advisory board's recommendations, which he ruled goes against the constitution's appointment clause.

Experts cautioned that insurers are unlikely to stop any coverage immediately.

The Biden administration was expected to appeal and seek a stay of the ruling.

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