In a groundbreaking decision today from the Supreme Court, President Obama’s individual healthcare mandate was voted to be upheld 5-4. The mandate will require everyone to buy health insurance or face a fine, including employers who have over 50 employees.
The controversial law–which would see non-health insurance holders pay about a 1% tax as a penalty–will make Medicaid available to over 16 million people and will strike out the pre-existing condition rule long held by health care providers, including in regards to children. Since word got out about Obama’s plan two years ago, it has been a huge note of contention among lawmakers and citizens alike, with one side arguing it violates our constitutional rights by forcing us to purchase a product against our will and the other side arguing the merits of the law. Obama’s main argument is that almost everyone will already be covered by either individual insurance or Medicaid anyway, with a very small percentage of people being affected by the tax penalty.
The news has had Twitter in an uproar, with both sides letting loose in their feeds about the possible consequences of the mandate. And, unfortunately for one CNN reporter–who falsely announced that the law had been struck down–Twitter users are sharing a rather embarrassing gaffe.
Feel so bad for that journo. RT @poynter: Screenshot: CNN breaking news banner says individual mandate struck down http://t.co/5Kkvd0Tj
Welcome to the USSA! REPEAL! Fire the whole crew! SCOTUS should be REPLACED! I am beyond ANGRY!
Drama at CNN. I would love to be a fly on Wolf Blizter’s beard. #SCOTUS
Imagine if SCOTUS hadn’t handed the election to Bush in 2000. There would have been no John Roberts on the Court to save Ocamacare.
<– This person will be eligible for health insurance in 2014. Thanks, #SCOTUS.
Can’t wait to hear Bristol Palin’s take on this decision. #scotus
Yes, America’s soul is lost b/c more poor people will be able to get basic healthcare. Do these people hear themselves? http://t.co/UhU4o5g3
I’m disappointed #SCOTUS thinks gov’t knows better than people. I won’t stop fighting #Obamacare until is full repeal. RT if you’re with me.
Shorter SCOTUS: President Obama found the weirdest way ever to raise your taxes.
Only in America would so many overweight, diabetic people with heart disease be upset that they’re gonna have healthcare. #SCOTUS#Obamacare
Very disappointed in SCOTUS decision but will not let it deter me from fighting for #fullrepeal
John Roberts is the Severus Snape of SCOTUS.