The healthcare reform score currently stands at two federal judges against two federal judges with the next round likely to take place at the United States Supreme Court.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson ruled – without holding a trial – on the side of 26 states that had sued claiming the healthcare overhaul signed into law last year, and known in some circles as “Obamacare,” violates citizens’ rights because the legislation mandates compulsory insurance coverage by 2014 under the threat of penalties.
Prior to Vinson’s Florida case, two other federal judges upheld the legislation in similar cases in their courts but another federal judge in Virginia also ruled against the insurance provision. The argument boils down to whether the federal government has overstepped its powers to regulate interstate commerce.
The Obama administration argues that the requirement is legitimate because everyone uses the healthcare system whether they possess insurance or not. Compulsory insurance coverage is a required aspect of healthcare reform because, without it, certain aspects of the law would go unfunded.
In explaining his decision, Vinson said it would be a “radical departure” from existing law for people to be ordered to purchase something.
The lawsuit was filed – within minutes of Obama signing the legislation – by former Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum in one of Florida’s most conservative areas.
No cmolpaints on this end, simply a good piece.