and said it was not up to Congress to "pass a STRONG law that provides GREAT healthcare and protects pre-existing conditions." Legal expert Timothy Jost, a supporter of the health law, said O'Connor's ruling would have repercussions for nearly all Americans if it stands. If the entire health law is invalidated, popular provisions that benefit Medicare beneficiaries and people with employer coverage would also be scrapped. About 20 million people have gained health insurance coverage since the law passed in 2010 without a single Republican vote. The five justices who upheld the health law in 2012 in the first major case — Chief Justice John Roberts and the court's four liberals — are all still serving.

Source: ABC News December 15, 2018 02:50 UTC