Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam
Saving its biggest case for last, the Supreme Court is expected to announce its verdict Thursday on President Barack Obama’s health care law. The outcome is likely to be a factor in the presidential campaign and help define John Roberts’ legacy as chief justice. But the court’s ruling almost certainly will not be the last word on America’s tangled efforts to address health care woes.NASHVILLE — Tennessee will be able to carry out requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the controversial law and should President Barack Obama be re-elected, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said.
But the governor, who opposes the law, is keeping his fingers crossed the high court will strike down the law in a decision expected to be released today.
“Obviously I’m hoping that they do, because I think it saves the state money long term, and that will make things easier,” Haslam told reporters this week.
Justices could uphold or strike down the entire law or major provisions like the individual mandate that requires most Americans to maintain a minimum level of private or, if they qualify, obtain government-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Another provision requires state Medicaid programs to expand and cover far more poor adults.