Politics & Government

Obamacare Upheld by Supreme Court: Take Our Poll

Is this ruling good for America, or will Obamacare be a tragic mistake? Take the Patch poll and share your views with fellow south suburban residents.

The Supreme Court decided on a 5-4 vote released Thursday that the Affordable Care Act, which mandates every American to purchase health insurance, is constitutional.

The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government can levy a "tax" on individuals who do not buy into the system. The individual health care mandate is the key provision in Obamacare, and many are calling it a huge win for the president as we approach the November elections. The Obama administration touted the law passed in March 2010 as its signature legislative achievement.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts provided the decisive vote. The judges said the individual mandate cannot be upheld under the commerce clause, but that Congress's ability to tax and spend in this case is upheld. Justices Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.

Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The decision means the historic overhaul of the health insurance system will continue to unfold over the coming years.

Want to know more? Visit The Affordable Care Act website.

Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Read More:  (on Orland Park Patch)

 

What do you think? Agree, disagree? Take the Patch poll.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here