WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a new challenge to President Barack Obama’s health care law – a case that threatens subsidies that help millions of low- and middle-income people afford their health insurance premiums.
The justices said they will review a federal appeals court ruling that upheld IRS regulations that allow health-insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act for consumers in all 50 states. Opponents argue that most of the subsidies are illegal.
The long-running political and legal campaign to overturn or limit the 2010 health overhaul will be making its second appearance at the Supreme Court. The justices upheld the heart of the law in a 5-4 decision in 2012 in which Chief Justice John Roberts provided the decisive vote.
The case probably will be argued the first week in March, with a decision expected by late June.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest promised a vigorous defense before the high court.