The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the Obama Administration’s health care overhaul, specifically the portion requiring all residents to maintain medical coverage.
The challenge was brought by Attorneys General and governors in 26 states.
To date, rulings from lower courts have been mixed, with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against the Obama Administration and three other courts ruling in favor of the law’s constitutionality.
Oral arguments are set to begin in March and the court is expected to issue its decision in June, just five months before Obama hopes the country will send him back to the White House for another term.
Earlier today, the White House issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Earlier this year, the Obama Administration asked the Supreme Court to consider legal challenges to the health reform law and we are pleased the Court has agreed to hear this case,” said Obama Administration Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer. “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, one million more young Americans have health insurance, women are getting mammograms and preventive services without paying an extra penny out of their own pocket and insurance companies have to spend more of your premiums on health care instead of advertising and bonuses. We know the Affordable Care Act is constitutional and are confident the Supreme Court will agree.”
U.S Rep. Frank Pallone, one of the architects of the bill in the House, said he is confident the court will uphold the law.
“Today, millions of Americans and New Jerseyans are healthier because this landmark legislation, the Affordable Care Act, is law. Seniors are paying less for prescription drugs, more young people have health insurance and are able to afford to go to the doctor under their parents’ health care coverage and people won’t lose or be denied health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition.”
“Just as the Affordable Care Act already stands up in the court of public opinion, I’m confident this law will stand in the Supreme Court.”
