Legal battle regarding federal insurance mandate to take place in Minnesota this week

healthcare reform newsThe latest development in the ongoing saga of opposition against the federal Affordable Care Act is set to take place the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in Minnesota this week. The provision in question is an insurance mandate imposed by the new law that states that all U.S. citizens must purchase some kinds of health insurance or face major penalties. Two Missouri residents have filed a lawsuit against the federal government concerning the matter. While the lawsuit itself comes only from two people, they are backed by 21 states that oppose the insurance mandate.

The lawsuit comes from Samantha Hill and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, both of Minnesota. A panel of three judges will hear their arguments and determine whether the lawsuit will join others in opposing the federal rule. The lawsuit has already earned the support of 21 states, including advocacy groups, health care officials and state lawmakers.

The insurance mandate has been the subject of controversy since before the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. The mandate requires that all people carry health insurance or suffer penalties that include steep fines. The mandate has been declared as unjust by its opponents and a growing number of states have filed suits against the federal government to get the provision abolished. The issue is destined for the Supreme Court.

Judges will begin hearing the case this week, but are not expected to reach a decision for several months.

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