WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is promising a vigorous defense when the Supreme Court hears a new case involving the health care law.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal that threatens the subsidies that help millions of low- and middle-income people afford their health insurance premiums.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the intent behind the law is for eligible customers — regardless of where they live — to receive help from the government to purchase health care. Earnest says the administration has “high confidence in the legal argument” in favor of that provision.
A unanimous federal appeals court ruling upheld the IRS regulations allowing health-insurance tax credits for consumers in all 50 states. Opponents argue that most of the subsidies are illegal.
The court rarely steps into a case when there is no disagreement among federal appellate courts, unless a law has been ruled invalid. But at least four justices apparently agreed with the challengers that the issue is important enough to decide now.
Supporters of the health care law are accusing the court of verging into politics. Ron Pollack of Families USA, an advocacy group that supported the health overhaul, says the court’s action is an “unusual political act.” He says the challenge to the subsidies is “the most serious existential threat” to the health care law.
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177-w-36-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent, with White House press secretary Josh Earnest)–The Supreme Court will hear a case that challenges a key aspect of the health care law. AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports. (7 Nov 2014)
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174-a-12-(Josh Earnest, White House press secretary, at news conference)-“premiums more affordable”-White House press secretary Josh Earnest says the intent of Congress is clear — Americans who qualify should have their health insurance subsidized. (7 Nov 2014)
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APPHOTO WX105: FILE – In this March 28, 2012 file photo, supporters of health care reform rally in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on the final day of arguments regarding the health care law signed by President Barack Obama. The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a new challenge to President Barack Obama’s health care law. The justices said they will decide whether the law authorizes subsidies that help millions of low- and middle-income people afford their health insurance premiums. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) (28 Mar 2012)
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