Effects of Supreme Court’s Decision on Health Care Remain to Be Seen

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday's momentous Supreme Court ruling upheld the constitutionality and basic provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, affirming its mandate but complicating the federal government's plan to extend Medicaid coverage to the poorest Americans. As a result of the Court's 5 to 4 decision, nearly all Americans will be required to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty.   "The Affordable Care Act's requirement that certain individuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "Because the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness."   Read the article on VMail