States on edge about future of health care

Associated Press

MIAMI

Mixed signals from the Supreme Court have states on edge about the future of health insurance subsidies for millions of Americans. And a summer decision from the justices leaves little time for backup planning.

Many governors, especially Republicans, want the federal government to craft a contingency plan and at least one governor — in Pennsylvania — is pursuing a state exchange, which would make sure his state was able to receive the subsidy.

During oral arguments Wednesday, the justices appeared divided in the latest challenge to President Barack Obama’s law. Opponents of the law argued that only residents in about a dozen states that set up their own insurance markets can get federal subsidies to help pay their premiums. The administration says the law provides for subsidies in all 50 states.

The case sets up an intriguing political backdrop for states such as Florida and Texas, both led by Republican governors staunchly opposed to the law. The states now find themselves with the most at stake with large numbers enrollees who could take their anger to the ballot box if they lose coverage.

Florida has more people on the health care plan than any other state, and most of the 1.6 million people receive the subsidy, along with many of Texas’ 1.2 million enrollees.