Why did Obamacare go to the Supreme Court?

Asked by: Lucie Bahringer  |  Last update: November 27, 2025
Score: 5/5 (62 votes)

Since becoming law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) has generated numerous lawsuits and sparked national debate over the future of American healthcare. After the federal courts reached conflicting decisions regarding the ACA's constitutionality, the Supreme Court decided to hear the case.

Why didn't Obama appoint the Supreme Court?

With the death of Antonin Scalia in February 2016 in the beginning of a presidential election year, the Republican majority in the Senate made it their stated policy to refuse to consider any nominee to the Supreme Court, arguing that the next president should be the one to appoint Scalia's replacement.

Why were Republicans against the Affordable Care Act?

Republicans are much less trusting of the federal government and much less supportive of a government role in health care than Democrats. The overwhelmingly negative TV ads against the ACA by the Republican candidates in the elections of 2012 and 2014 have had a major impact on Americans' views of the ACA.

Why did Obamacare have a penalty?

This law required everyone in the United States to have health insurance coverage. Under Obamacare, people would face tax penalties if they didn't have health insurance coverage for all or part of the year. The idea behind the ACA was to increase the number of people with access to healthcare and insurance.

What happened to the Obamacare mandate?

Congress eliminated the federal tax penalty for not having health insurance, effective January 1, 2019. While there is no longer a federal tax penalty for being uninsured, some states (CA, MA, NJ, and RI) and DC have enacted individual mandates and may apply a state tax penalty if you lack health coverage for the year.

Supreme Court upholds Obamacare

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What is the biggest problem with Obamacare?

Obamacare has increased the cost of health care and health insurance. The ACA's federal mandates and spending, including Medicaid expansion and subsidized individual plans, have drastically increased the cost of health care and health insurance. 2. Obamacare increases Americans' reliance on the federal government. …

What did the Supreme Court rule in a decision on the Affordable Care Act?

The Supreme Court held that it was unconstitutional for the government to deny existing federal Medicaid funding from states that opt out. The Court determined that the ACA's Medicaid provision violates Congress's constitutional power under the Spending Clause.

How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.

Does the IRS still penalize for no health insurance?

If you had no health coverage

If you didn't have coverage during 2024, the fee no longer applies. This means you don't need an exemption in order to avoid the penalty.

How many times did Republicans try to repeal Obamacare?

After the July 27, 2017 vote on the Health Care Freedom Act, Newsweek "found at least 70 Republican-led attempts to repeal, modify or otherwise curb the Affordable Care Act since its inception as law on March 23, 2010."

Do Democrats support the Affordable Care Act?

Democrats believe that quality, affordable health care is a right – not a privilege – for every American.

What is the most controversial provision in the Affordable Care Act that has led to Supreme Court challenges?

Individual mandate. The most legally and politically controversial aspect of the ACA, the individual mandate requires Americans to purchase health insurance or face a government penalty, with some exceptions—particularly for low-income individuals who cannot afford to buy insurance [3].

What is John Roberts' religion?

In 2005, John Roberts became the third Catholic Chief Justice and the fourth Catholic on the court. Shortly thereafter, Samuel Alito became the fifth on the court, and the eleventh in the history of the court. Alito's appointment gave the court a Catholic majority for the first time in its history.

Who is Obama's daughter?

Malia Obama and Sasha Obama. Barack and Michelle Obama have two daughters: Malia Ann (/məˈliːə/), born July 4, 1998, and Natasha Marian (known as Sasha /ˈsɑːʃə/), born June 10, 2001.

What war was Obama in?

Obama inherited the Iraq War, the Afghanistan War, and various aspects of the War on Terror, all of which began during the Bush administration. He presided over the gradual draw down of U.S. soldiers in Iraq, culminating in the near-total withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from Iraq in December 2011.

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

Do taxpayers no longer qualify for the premium tax credit?

For tax years 2021 through 2025, Congress temporarily expanded eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit by eliminating the requirement that a taxpayer's household income may not be more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line.

How much is Obamacare a month for a single person?

Monthly premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans vary by state and can be reduced by premium tax credits. The average national monthly health insurance cost for one person on an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan without premium tax credits in 2024 is $477.

Is Obamacare worth it?

Proponents of the health care legislation, frequently referred to as Obamacare, have called it a historic political achievement and landmark legislation that reformed the US health care system by lowering health care costs, making health care more affordable, and protecting consumers.

Does Obamacare cover surgery?

All plans offered in the Marketplace cover these 10 essential health benefits: Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital) Emergency services. Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)

Which is the largest public health insurance program in the United States?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the single largest payer for health care in the United States. Nearly 90 million Americans rely on health care benefits through Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Which president passed the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and informally as Obamacare, is a landmark U.S. federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.