Georgetown University Law Center hosts a discussion Friday on the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling on the 2010 health care law.
Constitutional and health law scholars, practitioners and commentators examine the ruling's implications for individuals, as well as for the health care and insurance industries, constitutional law and national politics.
David Rivkin Jr., who served as Lead Counsel for the 26 states that challenged the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, participates in the discussion.
The Court said the law is constitutional based on the Congress’ power to levy taxes, which references the provision requiring most Americans to buy health insurance.
The law says those who can afford to buy insurance, but don’t, will be subject to a special tax. The Court also said Congress does not have the power to withhold all Medicaid funding from states that choose not to enact Medicaid expansion as specified in the law.
Panelists discuss the efffects the law has on women, children and the poor. They also spoke about the interaction of states and the federal government under the law, and how the variations in state implementation of exchanges and the Medicaid expansion will affect citizens of those states.
PBS NewsHour's Susan Dentzer moderates the conversation.