On October 14, 2010, U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson held that a bipartisan coalition of 20 states, including Texas, have the right to advance their challenges to both the requirement that all Americans purchase government-approved health insurance and the federally-mandated expansion of state-funded Medicaid programs. Arguments have been scheduled for Dec. 16.
More details can be found by visiting: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/newspubs/releases/2010/101410healthcare_opinion.pdf
The case in Florida is just one case to gain a preliminary hearing. Others include:
Virginia – Ruling expected by end of year:
After a 2 ½ hour hearing from Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s lawsuit challenging the federal statute’s requirement that citizens buy health insurance or pay a penalty, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson announced his plans to rule on the case by the end of the year.
Although it is expected this decision will not be the final word on the matter. “This court is just a brief stop on the way to the Supreme Court,” said Hudson.
Michigan – Upheld mandate to require purchase of health insurance:
A federal judge in Michigan ruled the provision mandating the purchase of health insurance is constitutional. Judge George C. Steeh, ruled that choosing not to obtain insurance qualified as an example of “activities that substantially affect interstate commerce.” It is expected the decision will be appealed.
