The country has arrived again at an important moment for President Obama’s health care law, the Affordable Care Act.
By the end of this month, the Supreme Court will make its decision on the King v. Burwell case, which challenges the eligibility of citizens to receive tax credits for insurance premium, known as subsidies, in states using the federal insurance exchange.
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This week, Tom Quigley talked about the court case during the biweekly podcast Cutting-Edge Benefits by ClaimLinx.
He said he wasn’t surprised there have been so many challenges to the law because it was so rushed.
“They passed the law without reading it, and they even admitted it, saying that this law is so good we’ll have to read it after we pass it,” Tom said during the podcast. “This is what happens — Little words, people challenge it.”
This case focuses on the words “established by the State” in a subsection of the law, which those bringing the case say make clear that subsidies are only available to those individuals living in the states that have created their own exchanges.
Should the Supreme Court vote in favor of the challenge, millions of Americans in 34 different states will lose their subsidies and will likely no longer be able to afford health insurance.
“To me, this case is pathetic,” Tom said. “Everyone knows the intent of what the law meant, and here we are. There’s more important things in this country right now than taking away health insurance from millions because of four words.”
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Tom talks about issues in health care every other Thursday during a podcast, and anyone can call in with questions or comments. Follow the show on Blog Talk Radio for reminders and updates on upcoming topics.
“The health law is like a yo-yo, it goes up and down and all around,” Tom said. “No one knows where it’s going.”
But listening to the show can at least explain it.
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