Supreme Court will weigh constitutionality of Obamacare

November 14, 2011

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the constitutionality of the sweeping health-care reform program informally known as “Obamacare.”

The Supreme Court announced on November 14 that it would hear a series of arguments against the federal health-care program, which has been challenged by 26 states. Opponents of the bill have questioned its constitutionality on several different grounds, with the most prominent argument being the claim that the federal government lacks the authority to compel citizens to purchase health insurance.

Both supporters and opponents of Obamacare have urged the Supreme Court to hear the challenges, arguing that the constitutional questions surrounding the legislation should be resolved before the reforms take full effect.

The Supreme Court announced plans to hear arguments on the case in March 2012. The justices’ decision would probably be released in the summer, potentially adding a hot new topic to the campaign debates leading up to November elections.

 

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Further information:

• Supreme Court to hear challenge to Obama’s health-care overhaul (Washington Post)