The Supreme Court today upheld the authority of the IRS to pay subsidies on the federal insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act, despite the law’s clear language that subsidies are available on exchanges “established by a state,” undermining the meaning of words and the separation of powers, Wyoming Liberty Group said today.
“I am concerned that the quality of care for all of us in Wyoming, including the most vulnerable, cannot be sustained by government programs. There are many opportunities for alternatives that will better serve the people of Wyoming.”
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, admitting that if the ACA’s language was read plainly, the IRS could not offer subsidies on the federal exchange. However, the majority decided that these words must be placed within the context of the law’s larger goals of expanding health insurance coverage.
Justice Antonin Scalia wrote the dissenting opinion, citing “The cases will publish forever the discouraging truth that the Supreme Court of the United States favors some laws over others, and is prepared to do whatever it takes to uphold and assist its favorites.”
“It is inappropriate for the court to bail-out the IRS when it ignores the plain language of a law passed by Congress,” said Charlie Katebi, Healthcare Policy Analyst at the Wyoming Liberty Group. “The rule of law matters.”
For more information on King V. Burwell and Obamacare, please click here.
For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Charlie Katebi, Health Care Policy Analyst
307-632-7020