Judge upholds healthcare reform law

Judge upholds healthcare reform

A federal judge upheld on Thursday a crucial element of the administration’s landmark healthcare reform law that requires more Americans to be covered.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge George Steeh defeated the lawsuit filed by conservative interest group The Thomas More Law Center in Michigan, who claimed that the provision requiring Americans to get coverage by 2014 was unconstitutional.

Judge Steeh decided that Congress did not go beyond its authority under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution to pass the law and so can fine those who did not get health insurance by the time specified under the provision.

He recognized that Congress included the provision as a hedge against growing coverage costs and to allow more Americans to get coverage.

“The minimum coverage provision, which addresses economic decisions regarding health care services that everyone eventually, and inevitably, will need, is a reasonable means of effectuating Congress’ goal,” Steeh wrote in his decision.

He rejected a request by the Thomas Law Center for an injunction and also dismissed two out of six claims.

The ruling was hailed by the Department of Justice who said it would still enforce the law amid legal battles.

“This ruling marks the first time a court has considered the merits of any challenge to this law and we welcome the court’s decision upholding the healthcare reform statute as constitutional,” said DOJ spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler.

The Thomas More Law plans to file an appeal.

“I think we have a very strong argument on appeal and quite frankly I like our chances,” said Robert Muise, senior trial counsel for the group.

Posted by George Daniels on Friday October 08 2010, 7:17 AM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0