20 States Sue Federal Government Over Obamacare Mandate

What’s the story?

• A coalition of 20 conservative states has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming Obamacare is no longer constitutional after the GOP repeal of the individual mandate.

• "The U.S. Supreme Court already admitted that an individual mandate without a tax penalty is unconstitutional," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement. “With no remaining legitimate basis for the law, it is time that Americans are finally free from the stranglehold of Obamacare, once and for all.”

What does it matter?

• The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, required that people have health insurance or pay a fine. This "individual mandate" clause was designed offset the cost of extending coverage to the poor and elderly by compelling younger, healthier people to buy coverage.

• The Department of Justice has not commented on whether the Trump administration would defend the law in court.

What do you think?

Do you agree it’s "time that Americans are finally free from the stranglehold of Obamacare"? Did your state join in the lawsuit? Do you support your state’s actions? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

Take Action

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• Study Projects Health Exchange Premiums Will Rise 18% Due To GOP-Backed Changes

• Trump Proposes Easing Rules on Cheaper Health Insurance

• The Budget Deal & Healthcare

(Photo Credit: mathisworks / iStock)