Supreme Court Upholds 'Obamacare'

The most controversial clause of the Affordable Care Act has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, the court announced Thursday.

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The group of bills, named the Affordable Care Act or "Obamacare" aimed at overhauling the American health care system was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. Since then, 26 states filed suit against the act, stating that provisions in it required most uninsured Americans to purchase health insurance were unconstitutional.

According to the Washington Post, the Supreme Court agreed that the mandate itself is unconstitutional, but that it is within the rights of Congress to tax individuals for not having health care. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion.

The ruling also upheld a portion of the bill that asks states to expand their Medicaid coverage, but said that the federal government cannot without Medicaid funding for states that choose not to comply.

State Rep. Joe Graves, R-Argentine Township, released a statement following the decision.

"My reaction to today's ruling isn't about politics; it's about people. I am concerned for Michigan's middle-class families who will see their taxes go up, their healthcare decisions limited and their budgets busted. Moving forward, I will do everything I can to protect the people of this state.

"I will consider every option in the state Legislature that makes the lives of Michigan residents better keeps the people of this state healthy and free.  There is a lot of time between now and the full implementation of this middle-class tax hike for us to review the ruling and look at every possibility.  I will protect Michigan residents and give them the real reforms they deserve.

"The Obamacare tax hike and government takeover is not real healthcare reform; it will make healthcare in this country worse.  We have an opportunity now to put Michigan on a path toward real reforms and positive solutions - this is my goal."

Congressman John Dingell, an ardent supporter of the act who represents Dearborn in the House of Representatives, applauded the ruling.

“We have a long-term effective solution to the health care crisis in this country," Dingell said in a statement. "And, now, I am proud to say that with the agreement of the Supreme Court, we can continue on with the business of making sure Americans have access to the best medicines, hospitals and medical professionals in the world.

"I know my father who started this fight is smiling from up above.”

Do you agree with the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act? Tell us why you agree or disagree in the comments.