The massive health care overhaul bill President Obama signed in
March is now law. However, the battle regarding our health care
system's future appears to be far from over. Now that federal
legislation has been enacted, many of the law's opponents have
shifted their efforts to the courts, state legislatures and 2010
midterm elections. The outcomes of numerous challenges in these
venues could have far-reaching implications for implementation of
the law and health care policy.
Within weeks of the law's passage, Florida and 20 other states
filed a lawsuit contending a key component of the law is
unconstitutional. The lawsuit argues Congress lacks the authority
to require individuals to purchase health insurance or pay a
penalty, which the law mandates beginning in 2014. The lawsuit also
argues the law infringes on states' rights by requiring states to
extend coverage to low-income residents without providing necessary
resources.
A decision in this case could come late this year or in 2011.
Many legal experts believe the chance of this lawsuit being upheld
is slim, but even a partial verdict in favor of the plaintiffs
could undermine key components of...
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