A UNO political scientist says the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the so-called Affordable Care Act is a legal victory for President Obama’s administration.
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the health care law. Chief Justice John Roberts joined in the majority supporting the law. UNO political science professor Carson Holloway says he was surprised that Chief Justice Roberts was the deciding vote.
Holloway says the ruling doesn't directly compel people to buy health insurance. "It’s just that if you don’t, this tax is levied on you. So that’s the position you’re put in. They’re told by the federal government either have it, or pay this tax."
The ruling also says the federal government can’t withhold all Medicaid funds allotted to states that choose not to create a health insurance exchange.
Holloway says while the ruling is a legal victory, it’s not necessarily a political victory for President Obama. He says there’s still a lot of opposition to the health care law.