Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.) urged the Supreme Court last week to proceed cautiously as it hears a case that challenges the Affordable Care Act’s system of subsidies – a ruling that could crumble the health care law.
The King v. Burwell case added to the Supreme Court docket is likely to be heard in March. It debates whether the federal government can provide health care subsidies in states that opted out of creating their own health care exchanges under the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare.
Because 36 states opted not to establish exchanges, residents there are using the federal exchange set up by the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The text of the ObamaCare law spells out in black and white that subsidies for health insurance may only be distributed through exchanges set up by the states,” Boustany said. “This administration continues to bend and twist the law to achieve its own ends without regard to Congress’ intent laid out in statute. That damages the trust necessary for our government to function effectively, places too much power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats and sets a dangerous constitutional precedent for presidents to come.”
A Supreme Court ruling could mean residents of the 36 state using the federal exchange would not be eligible for subsidies.
“As the Supreme Court prepares to take up this case, I trust they will consider the ramifications of their decision and hope they will bring our government back into constitutional balance,” Boustany said. “The rule of law must be upheld, and the Supreme Court should act to do so.”