What's the Latest With ‘Obamacare?'
Publication
5.05.11
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – better known as health care reform, or even "Obamacare" – will likely be a hot topic leading up to the 2012 elections. Many employers and employees have a vested interest in the outcome, whether they know it or not.
Presently, Republican members of Congress appear committed to pursuing dramatic changes or even a full repeal of the law, and many candidates lining up to challenge incumbents will surely run on a platform promising change. President Obama and other Democrats have said they are open to change, but have not provided specifics yet. Meanwhile, federal courts across the country are handling numerous cases dealing with the legitimacy and legality of the health care law.
As Congress struggles with legislative changes, and the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services grind away on the list of regulations that must be issued, the end of this make-or-break drama will ultimately be determined by the Supreme Court.
As to how the court will decide, it's anyone's guess. Although most of the court members were nominated by Republican presidents and are seemingly pro-business, the present court has gone against the grain on many occasions and issued pro-employee decisions. If there is one thing about the Supreme Court that is certain, it is not afraid to make difficult decisions.
This article appeared in the May 5, 2011 issue of Daily Journal of Commerce.
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