Supreme Court takes up health care reform
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The Supreme Court will hear arguments challenging the constitutionality of the Health Care Reform Act starting Monday.
While it will obviously be a legal fight, it's also a highly-charged political fight. On The Daily Circuit Monday, we'll look at the political elements of health care reform.
What are the political issues behind health care reform and what are the consequences for the GOP and the Democrats if it gets repealed? What if it's upheld?
John Rother, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Health Care and NCHC Action Fund, said supporters of the legislation have been missing from the political fight.
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"I think the problem with something that's this controversial is it's always much easier to criticize than it is to defend it," he said. "And given that, I think the advocates for the legislation have been missing in action."
One of the most controversial elements of the health care reform is the mandate that everyone purchases insurance. The reform could go forward if that requirement is removed. Rother said.
"The requirement that people purchase insurance is the key to having health insurance be there for everyone when they need it," he said. "The other provisions of the law could go forward without a mandate. We wouldn't see as many people covered by insurance. And also, health costs would be higher."
James Morone, political science and urban studies professor at Brown University, will also join the discussion.
On Tuesday, we'll examine the legal arguments that both sides will be making.
KERRI'S TAKEAWAY
No matter what the court decides, this is not the end of the division and debate.
