The Supreme Court Decision of the Affordable Health Care Act: A Rotary Perspective
Posted by Michael Blackwell
on Jul 05, 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled on the constitutionality of the Affordable health Care Act, sometimes colloquially know (especially to its opponents) as "Obamacare." The next day, three Dublin A.M. members set out to explain to the club what the decision might mean to citizens and business owners, trying to be totally non-partisan and informative.
Here Faith Williams explores what the decision was from a legal perspective. From a "big perspective," the decision has been rendered and it was a "big surprise" to many. The decision reveals much about what the role of the court is, approaching laws with the "presumption that a law is constitutional" and that the court's job is "not to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices."
Sharon Kendall took the podium after after Faith to discuss the effects of the decision on employers--how they are still offering healthcare while working for efficiencies. Our system is "broken and needs to be fixed" in order to "promote healthier living, better health outcomes, and an accountable healthcare program."
Dwight Seeley then took the podium to discuss some of the increases in costs for healthcare, some of the implications for small businesses, and some of the benefits and limitations that appear to be in the act for business owners, with a focus on practical advice for what to be aware of now that the law has been ruled upon.
The Affordable Health Care Act is likely to be controversial for years to come--bitterly contested politically, supported and opposed. The perspective from our three Rotarians is refreshing in its practicality and clear-sighted look at what we all need to be aware of in light of the recent decision.
Here Faith Williams explores what the decision was from a legal perspective. From a "big perspective," the decision has been rendered and it was a "big surprise" to many. The decision reveals much about what the role of the court is, approaching laws with the "presumption that a law is constitutional" and that the court's job is "not to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices."
Sharon Kendall took the podium after after Faith to discuss the effects of the decision on employers--how they are still offering healthcare while working for efficiencies. Our system is "broken and needs to be fixed" in order to "promote healthier living, better health outcomes, and an accountable healthcare program."
Dwight Seeley then took the podium to discuss some of the increases in costs for healthcare, some of the implications for small businesses, and some of the benefits and limitations that appear to be in the act for business owners, with a focus on practical advice for what to be aware of now that the law has been ruled upon.
The Affordable Health Care Act is likely to be controversial for years to come--bitterly contested politically, supported and opposed. The perspective from our three Rotarians is refreshing in its practicality and clear-sighted look at what we all need to be aware of in light of the recent decision.