Healthcare Arguments Take to Supreme Court [UPDATE]
[UPDATED| 10:16 a.m. March 27, 2012 Tuesday marks the first of three days in which the Supreme Court is scheduled to discuss whether to throw out or uphold one of the largest health insurance movements in American history.]
At least two conservative justices of the Supreme Court look to turn down Obama's policy, wondering if it "is a step beyond what our cases allow," said Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Along with Kennedy, Chief Justice John Roberts seem to be a pivotal vote in the case, while Justices Antonin Scali, Samuel Alito, and Justice Clarence Thomas may to vote to strike down the key provision.
The four Democratic appointees are projected to vote in favor of upholding the policy.
The primary goal of the healthcare law is to require all citizens to purchase health insurance, unless absolved for financial difficulties or religious beliefs. Those who choose not to carry insurance will have to a penalty in addition to their federal income tax return by 2015.
A diverse crowd of doctors, politicians and even a college band gathered outside of the Supreme Court on Monday to voice their opinions over Obama's healthcare reform.
In addition to the protesters outside the Supreme Court, 26 states and a small business group have already challenged the law.
The justices attending the debate launched over 20 questions in less than 30 minutes at Washington Attorney Robert Long, arguing for Obama's healthcare provision.
“What is the parade of horribles if the court were to decide the penalties were not a tax and the healthcare case went forward?” Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked.
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum also made an appearance outside of the court. Santorum challenged his main rival, Mitt Romney, by stating that Romney would not be able to contest healthcare since Massachusetts passed a comparable form when he was governor.
“If you really want Obamacare repealed there’s only one person who can make that happen,” Satorum said.
The law claims that the older population will be able to avoid financial issues with healthcare because they will all be insured.
Insurance companies will also be prohibited from denying clients due to prior health conditions. The congressional budget has estimated that 95 percent of Americans will have insurance coverage if healthcare is enacted.
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