UPDATED: Health care law stands
1:54 p.m.
I’m still gathering reactions. I’ve posted a few more statements in separate blog entries that you can view below, including from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association and LewisGale’s parent company HCA.
12:26 p.m.
Some reactions are starting to come in now. You can see political reactions on the Blue Ridge Caucus blog and I’ve posted statements from the insurance companies Anthem and Aetna on this blog.
As I get more reactions I’ll continue posting them, including from health care providers in the region.
11:27 a.m.
The Supreme Court largely upheld President Barack Obama’s health care law today.
“The decision means the huge overhaul, still only partly in effect, will proceed and pick up momentum over the next several years, affecting the way that countless Americans receive and pay for their personal medical care,” the Associated Press reported.
It means the law can move forward with its aim of covering more than 30 million uninsured Americans.
Additionally, the court said the individual mandate can stand as a tax.
But the court did say that states have a choice when it comes to Medicaid expansion.
AP reports: “The court found problems with the law’s expansion of Medicaid, but even there said the expansion could proceed as long as the federal government does not threaten to withhold states’ entire Medicaid allotment if they don’t take part in the law’s extension.”
11:02 a.m.
Here is the link to the opinion: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-393c3a2.pdf
10:33 a.m.
From the Associated Press:
“The Supreme Court has upheld the individual insurance requirement at the heart of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.
The court on Thursday handed Obama a campaign-season victory in rejecting arguments that Congress went too far in requiring most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.”
Follow updates on the story, this blog and on the Blue Ridge Caucus blog.
From earlier today:
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on President Obama’s health care overhaul this morning. Please check back to share your thoughts, ask questions and talk about the implications for our community.
June 28, 2012 - 1:52 PM
Obama signed it, Congress passed it, but who actually wrote it?
The American people won a victory today! We are assured of keeping and using the only “universal health care” legislation ever passed by our congress and the president.
Good question first David.
Good, now if people will use reputable websites and not individuals to get more information, I think they will see that this is the right step for all. Also will be interesting to see what spin the Romney camp puts on this since there are so many parallels to his Romney-care legislation in Massachusetts.
I am glad the freeloaders will finally have to contribute to their own healthcare.
I really do not understand why people are against this???? If you have insurance, you don’t pay the tax/fine. It’s that simple.