Washington, D.C. — The U.S. District Court of Maryland granted a preliminary injunction today, blocking implementation of the Trump-Vance administration’s dangerous new rule projected to strip health coverage from more than 2.2 million people, raise costs for working families, and undermine the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) core protections.

The lawsuit — City of Columbus et al. v. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — was filed in July 2025 by Democracy Forward on behalf of a coalition that includes the City of Columbus, Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, City of Chicago, Doctors for America, and the Main Street Alliance. The plaintiffs argued that the “Marketplace Integrity and Affordability” rule unlawfully imposes new fees, weakens coverage standards, and creates barriers that would make it harder — and in some cases impossible — for people to get and keep affordable health insurance.

“Today’s decision is a positive step to block the Trump-Vance administration’s bad deal that jacks up costs and guts healthcare coverage for millions of working people and families,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. “We will continue to leverage every legal tool we have to protect access to quality, affordable healthcare for every American.”

“This is a victory for working people—in Baltimore and across the country—whose health care access has been targeted by the Trump administration,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Time and time again, the administration has attempted to gut critical health care protections for everyday Americans, while at the same time giving massive tax cuts to millionaires. It’s wrong and it’s unconstitutional—and alongside our partners, we’re holding them accountable.” 

“This is truly a victory for the millions of people here in Chicago and around the country that rely on the Affordable Care Act for accessible and quality healthcare. This ruling will continue to help our residents obtain reasonably priced health insurance and reduce the burden on our health clinics to provide free care. Here in Chicago, we will continue our efforts to ensure that all residents, no matter their zip code or income, can have access to safe, affordable, and quality healthcare,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago.

“Today’s ruling is a critical victory for patients and for the promise of the Affordable Care Act. By blocking the Trump-Vance administration’s dangerous rule, the court has protected millions of Americans from losing coverage, facing higher costs, and being denied essential benefits. Doctors for America applauds this decision and remains committed to ensuring that every person—no matter their income, zip code, or health status—has access to affordable, comprehensive care,” said Dr. Christine Petrin, Board President, Doctors for America.

“The Trump administration seems determined to gut healthcare for the American people, from this destructive and illegal CMS rule to the passage of the “Big, Ugly Law,” which will force 17 million people, including small business owners, off their coverage. This ruling today is a win for common sense and for the rule of law. The CMS rule, as proposed by Health and Human Services, is designed to sabotage the marketplace, not make beneficial reforms, and goes against the very motto of the agency: ‘Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America,” said Shawn Phetteplace, Campaigns Director at Main Street Alliance.

“Today’s decision protects health care for millions of Americans,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The Trump-Vance administration is making life harder for working Americans. It should be doing everything possible to increase access to affordable health care, but this administration seems intent on making accessing basic health care harder. We are pleased the court has stepped in, and we will continue to pursue this case to ensure that the Affordable Care Act fulfills its promise of affordable, accessible health care for all.”

Today’s ruling means the administration’s harmful policy cannot be enforced while the case moves forward, giving relief to millions of people who rely on ACA coverage. The plaintiffs will continue to pursue their case to ensure the rule is permanently struck down and that federal protections for affordable health care remain intact for all who need them.

The legal team at Democracy Forward includes Joel McElvain, Cortney Robinson, and Christine Coogle.

Read the decision here.

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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.