Elected officials react to Supreme Court health care decision - KOAM TV 7

Elected officials react to Supreme Court health care decision

Today the Supreme Court upheld President Obama's controversial health care reform law, passing 5-to-4.

Citing Congresses power to tax, conservative Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's four liberal justices in upholding the individual mandate, the part of the law that requires most Americans to have health insurance.

Any repeal vote is not expected to get past the Democratically controlled Senate.

When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act first passed states were given grants to set up online insurance marketplaces, called insurance exchanges.  Missouri received $21 million but hasn't acted yet.

Reactions to today's ruling are predictably divided along party lines.

Response from Governor Sam Brownback of Kansas:

"Stopping ObamaCare is now in the hands of the American people.  It begins with electing a new president this fall." - Read the full statement.

Response from U.S. Senator Roy Blunt from Missouri:

"This decision does not change the fact that ObamaCare will lead to higher health care premiums, increased federal spending, and greater uncertainty for small business owners nationwide. That's why Congress must repeal this deeply flawed law in its entirety and replace it with thoughtful, common-sense reforms that put patients and doctors in control of health care – not Washington bureaucrats." - Read the full statement.

Response from  U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler:

"The law still fails to address the issue of adequate funding, and will drive up health care costs, making it harder for small businesses to hire workers.  But while the ruling is cause for dismay, supporters of the free market and individual liberty can take some comfort in the dissenting view that this law violates the U.S. Constitution." - Read the full statement.

Response from U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins:

"Unlike the legislative and executive branches, the judicial branch does not have the responsibility to listen to public opinion or to ensure a particular policy is good for the nation; they are merely tasked to determine if the Constitution permits it." - Read the full statement.

Response from U.S. Congressman Billy Long from Missouri:

"This decision is not only a blow to Americans who must deal with the consequences of government takeover of health care, but it is also a blow to democracy and the individual liberties this country was founded on." - Read the full statement.

Response from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill's office, from Missouri:

"There's only ever been one goal for Claire-affordable, accessible health care for Missouri," says John LaBombard, spokesperson for U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill.

Response from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran from Kansas:

"A law can be constitutional but still a bad idea. I continue to believe that the health care reform law jeopardizes access to quality health care for many Americans, threatens the survival of Kansas communities, and stifles our country's job growth through higher taxes and burdensome regulations." - Read the full statement.

Response from Governor Jay Nixon from Missouri:

"This ruling has significant complexities and implications for families, health care providers and insurers in our state.  Here in Missouri, I'm committed to working collaboratively with citizens, businesses, medical providers and the legislature to move forward in a way that works best for families in our state." - Read the full statement.

Response from U.S. Senator Pat Roberts from Missouri:

"The Court has affirmed that Obamacare is a new, additional tax. Care will cost more, and access to quality care will be reduced. No wonder a majority of Americans oppose it." - Read the full statement.

The number of state residents who do not have health insurance according to the Associated Press:

• Kansas - 350,000 (almost 13%)
• Missouri - 835,000 (about 14%)
• Oklahoma - 624,480 (about 17%)

Learn how the ruling benefits most health care niches.