Supreme Court could decide to take up ACA case today

The U.S. Supreme Court could decide today whether it will take up the constitutionality of the individual mandate within the Affordable Care Act (“Supreme Court health care reform path could be set Thursday,” Politico, Nov. 9, 2011).

If the nine Justices decide to take up the case, an announcement is expected Monday. Arguments would likely take place in the spring and a decision would be expected in late June.

The Supreme Court’s consideration of the health reform law comes on the heels of a ruling by the DC Circuit Court upholding the individual mandate as constitutional. Rulings on the ACA have now been made by 7 circuit court panels, with two courts finding the mandate constitutional, one finding it unconstitutional and four dismissing lawsuits against the law.