HEALTH: Three big dates ahead

Circle them on your calendar: March 26, 27 and 28. According to Marsha Mercer, in an AARP Magazine article:

“That is when the U.S. Supreme Court will hear attorneys argue the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s signature health initiative. A ruling is expected by June.

“The high court could uphold the entire law, strike down its central requirement that most Americans buy health insurance by 2014 or pay a penalty, let stand or quash a major expansion of Medicaid — or punt a final decision on all these issues into 2015.

“On March 26, the court will consider whether the penalty imposed on people who don’t buy insurance is a tax. A 19th century law prohibits legal challenges to a tax before it takes effect. If the justices decide the penalty is a tax, they could throw out challenges to the health care law for at least three years.

“On March 27, the court will turn to the central issue of whether Congress overstepped its authority in requiring people to buy insurance — as 26 states have asserted.

“On March 28, the court will consider whether other sections of the law fall if any part of it is invalidated. The Obama administration argues that if the court strikes down one provision of the law, it should let the rest of the law stand.

“On the same day, the justices will take up a feature of the law intended to expand access to Medicaid, the health care program for low-income people. Opponents contend that the expansion is “coercive” to the states, which share costs with the federal government.”

What kind of health care do we want in the United States of America? Of the federal government? Of the state government? By health insurance companies and the legal language of attorneys? For insurance agents and PPOs? Of the people, by the people?

Now is the time for citizen debate. How is it possible to send our debates to the U.S. Supreme Court Justices?

ART COLLINS

Idaho Citizen Healthcare Coalition

208-659-1218