In June of 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 to dismiss the challenge to the landmark legislation, which has subsidized coverage through government-run health insurance marketplaces. A group of 18 states led by Texas alleged the law was unconstitutional after the penalty it had originally imposed on people who didn’t get health insurance was eliminated in 2019, effectively rendering the requirement to get basic health coverage moot. But the high court said the states failed to prove how the requirement for health coverage had caused harm. The decision to uphold the law—also known as Obamacare because it was spearheaded by former President Barack Obama—was heralded by President Joe Biden, who specifically noted provisions that protect people from being denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. “It is a victory for more than 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions and millions more who were in immediate danger of losing their health care in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic,” he said in a statement issued by the White House. Have a question, comment, or story to share? You can reach Rob at ranthes@thebalance.com.
