February 1, 2011

Judge Rules Insurance Mandate Invalidates Health Care Reform Law

A second federal judge has ruled part of the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. the health care reform law) is unconstitutional, The New York Times reports. Judge Roger Vinson of the District Court in Pensacola, Florida, ruled that requiring Americans to obtain health insurance is unconstitutional. However, he went beyond the previous ruling against the law by stating the insurance mandate invalidated the entire law. The Justice Department is filing an appeal. In two other cases, the courts ruled in favor of health reform. White House officials said this latest ruling will not slow down implementation of the law. Requirements that insurers cover children with pre-existing health conditions and eliminate life caps on benefits are already in effect. By 2014, Medicaid eligibility will be expanded and health insurance exchanges will be introduced.

To read the Times article, click here.

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Antonio, Denver, 2011-02-03 10:58:02
Apparently these judges are secure in having health insurance, otherwise they'd have a different opinion. If it were them out here without, and being discriminated against for having a pre-existing condition, their tone I'm sure would change. Ironically, we are all required by law to have auto insurance? Go figure. Giving the power back to the insurance companies would be a major mistake, much like the republicans' want to do. Kudos to Obama for standing up to them and thinking of us.