In an Affordable Care Act lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer of the District ruled various ACA payments have been funded illegally, according to the Washington Post.
Here are eight highlights:
1. U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer ruled President Obama went above his authority by unilaterally funding an ACA provision that gave billions of dollars of subsidies to health insurance companies.
2. Judge Collyer put her rule on hold pending the Obama administration's appeal.
3. Her decision backed the Republican House, which challenged the ACA for spending more than $175 billion on subsidies.
4. The Republicans have tried many times to repeal parts or the entire ACA without much luck. Judge Collyer's decision marks a significant milestone in their effort to dismantle the ACA.
5. In response to the ruling, White House press secretary Josh Earnest predicted the courts will overturn the rule due to the separation of powers between presidents and Congress. Mr. Earnest went on to say, "This suit represents the first time in our nation's history that Congress has been permitted to sue the executive branch over a disagreement about how to interpret a statute."
6. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan strongly praised the decision and referred to the ruling as a historic win for "Congress and the American people."
7. Many payers have lost a great deal of money on the ACA exchanges, causing UnitedHealth to exit several ACA exchanges in 2017 and Humana to give notice it may leave some Affordable Care Act exchanges next year.
8. However, some experts say insurers may substantially increase their premiums if they no longer receive subsidies, and Republicans may have a difficult time getting elected if their proposed plans cannot provide health insurance to low-income Americans.
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