Affordable Care Act, Obamacare and The Supreme Court

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What will the outcome be?  The Supreme Court is finally hearing the case that will decide the fate of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Yet to be fully implemented, Obamacare is facing its most significant hurdle to date with the Supreme Court.  Three days of argument centered around four issues with the central one being the individual mandate requiring all Americans to purchase health insurance.  What will this divided judicial branch decide?

Unquestionably, there is much at stake with the Supreme Court's decision.  Some would say that President Obama's second term is at stake.  The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is his signature legislation of his first term and certainly a major piece of his presidential legacy.  For many Americans, it is a question of government's role and control of our lives.  Then there are those who support the Act and hope that the high court upholds the law. 

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The stakes are indeed high.  The Affordable Care Act extends health care coverage to more than 30 million uninsured Americans; prohibits insurers from discriminating against those with pre-existing medical conditions and requires almost all Americans to purchase health care insurance or face financial penalties.  The law also includes dozens of other provisions aimed at reducing health care costs. 

Twenty-six states are challenging the law and arguing for its reversal.  Some believe the justices will overturn the entire law.  Others believe they will uphold portions of the law and strike down the individual mandate.  Lower courts have upheld the provisions of the law and most legal constitutional authorities believe the Supreme Court will uphold it.  What is clear about the Supreme Court is that it is every bit as politically divisive as the nation. 

The states have valid concerns regarding the Affordable Care Act.  They have to pay for the lion's share of it.  The economic challenges facing individual states is significant as is the potential costs for the federal government.  One more entitlement program to an already burgeoning budget deficit.  The entitlement programs already in place are not sustainable.

Health care reform was necessary.  America should be ashamed that millions of our citizens go without health care.  We spend more money than any other nation and our care is toward the bottom of any industrialized nation.  The current law is not the perfect instrument to drive down costs.  However, it is a starting point.  If the President and the Congress  work in concert together, a more meaningful and cost effective plan could be developed. 

If the Supreme Court strikes down the law, health care in the United States will suffer a significant setback and costs for medical services will continue to escalate.  There isn't a perfect system.  Those who can afford health care will need to sacrifice and those without health care have to step up and participate.  Unfortunately, a universal system is required to benefit all.  There isn't a harmonious system but we must find one that balances quality care with affordability for all Americans. 

No matter what the nine justices decide over the next several months, the health care debate will continue.  If the Affordable Care Act stands, it needs to be revised and strengthened.  If it is struck down, then the President and Congress need to get back to work and build a law that will strengthen and preserve all of our citizens and our nation.