Finally, after what seems like a million years, there is a ruling in the California vs. Texas case. In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the plaintiffs in the case did not have standing because they were unable to demonstrate they were injured by an individual mandate that has a penalty of zero dollars.
Following the oral arguments back on November 10th, many expected the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act, but for an entirely different reason. Many believed the most likely outcome was the Court would find the individual shared responsibility requirements with no accompanying penalty to be unconstitutional but separate from the rest of the law. With the no-standing decision, the individual mandate will remain.
The ruling notes the third time the Supreme Court has saved the Affordable Care Act. Back in 2012, when the penalty still applied, the Supreme Court found the mandate constitutional as a tax, and in 2015 the Court ruled the premium tax credits were indeed constitutional and could be offered nationwide.
This new ruling also comes as a huge blow to ACA opponents and may be the last big legal challenge to the health care law.
While today’s ruling isn’t a huge sprite, it’s still a big step and development. For at least the next three-and-a-half years, the Affordable Care Act will survive safely. Opponents of the ACA won’t have a chance to undo the Act again until 2025, and only if these specific things fall into place:
- A Republican wins the next presidency.
- Republicans would need to control both the House and the Senate.
- Republicans need a super-majority in the Senate to eliminate the filibuster, if Democrats int eh Senate do not do that before then.
Whether you personally support or oppose the Affordable Care Act, the good news for you, our clients, is that the guessing game is finally over. The ACA will be around at least for a few more years, and we hope the two sides can work together to make some improvements to the existing law.
Of course, there is still much work to be done! Are you looking for health insurance, or unhappy with your current coverage? Give us a call today — we are the number one health insurance agency in Coral Springs and Parkland! Our agents are ready and waiting to help!
