Politics & Government

Chat with Patch Today on Supreme Court Rulings

The anticipated decision on the constitutionality of health-care law reform, which was championed by President Barack Obama, is coming today.

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As the landmark United States Supreme Court ruling on health-care law reform is expected to be announced today, The Huffington Post will host a video chat to analyze and answer questions.

Shortly after the expected announcement, at 12 p.m. EST, HuffPost Politics will host a live video discussion from Washington D.C. about the the constitutionality of health-care law reform, which was championed by President Barack Obama

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If you’d like to take part, email charli.james@huffingtonpost.com.

At the heart of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the mandate which requires people to buy health insurance or face a penalty. Opinions have varied on whether the federal government has the power to force such a purchase.

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Health-care experts interviewed by the Christian Science Monitor believe that the law can survive even if the mandate is declared unconstitutional.

Even without the mandate, the law’s expansion of Medicaid eligibility would cover some 16 million people, about half the total number of people who would gain insurance if the whole law is upheld, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

In addition, federal subsidies and tax credits for low- and middle-income people to buy insurance in the new marketplaces, or “exchanges”—think Travelocity for health care—will make coverage more affordable.

Tell us what you think about 'Obamacare' in the comments below.


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