U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Individual Mandate Provision; Health Care Law Remains Essentially Intact

Following months of deliberation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the “individual mandate” from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constitutional, drawn from the Congress’ ability to tax. The provision requires that individuals obtain “essential minimum coverage” by 2014. Individuals that do not purchase a basic policy would be subject to a federal penalty.
 
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said, “In light of today’s announcement and the months of uncertainty surrounding the Court’s ruling, it is now more important than ever to address the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act. The law has not tackled the soaring health care costs faced by our member companies, limiting their ability to create jobs and expand their businesses. SEMA calls on Congress and the President to address deficiencies that have created confusion in the market, spiraling premiums and increased administrative burdens for small business owners. As it has for the past several years, SEMA will continue to work with lawmakers and the business community on solutions to improve this flawed system.”

For more information, contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA director of congressional affairs, at dans@sema.org.