What you’re saying about the ruling

Reaction from readers continues to pour in:

All we’re left with is our vote

The Supreme Court has just destroyed the Constitution. The federal government can now take away states’ rights, tax you whenever they want, and fine you if you do not comply with whatever they want you to do. We lost much of our freedom on 9/11 and now we have lost a lot more. We can still vote. Get out there and do it!

Sue Tiedeman

Elgin

Court recognized the moral issue at hand

While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is not perfect, it is the first attempt in decades to improve our health care delivery system and provide insurance for millions of Americans who were being denied health care. The Supreme Court recognized the moral issue recognized by every other Western democracy; that health care is a right, not a privilege.

Diane Niesman

Wheaton

Obamacare will drive costs way up

Obamacare isn’t the best of ideas. All you have to do is check out countries like Canada, England, France and Italy and a few other countries that have a similar concept, and you will see that such a plan creates a bureaucratic paper jungle.

Many people under socialized medicine actually prefer paying to see their own personal medical doctor instead of trusting their lot with a bureaucratic hack that will put you on a wait list.

Last but not least: Obamacare mandates that everybody must buy hospitalization policies. The bald truth is that a good many people just cannot afford to buy a health care plan.

In the end Obamacare will drive the cost of medical care through the roof, by taking away decisions that only a doctor can do best.

Walter Santi

Bloomingdale

Time to give law a chance

As I understand it, this law will ultimately provide coverage for 30,000,000 Americans who do not currently have insurance, coverage for children with pre-existing conditions (for which they cannot get reasonably priced coverage at this time), a prohibition against lifetime limits for coverage, and various other beneficial provisions. For many of these people it will provide them an opportunity to receive preventive health care so that a catastrophic event will not happen.

Admittedly, there is a price to be paid for the benefits tendered but it seems to me that the overall advantages outweigh the alleged disadvantages. Both Social Security and Medicare were programs which initially met with fierce resistance but they seem to have worked out OK — perhaps needing further tweaking but basically OK. I think we need, at least, to give this law a chance.

Ross C. Heim

Kildeer

Looking forward to repeal

I have said from the time I first began looking at the Obamacare plan that it is the largest piece of tax legislation to be passed during my lifetime. The Supreme Court today verified that it is all about taxes. In my business we deal with insurance companies all day every day. We encounter many problems attempting to get paid for the mental health care services we provide. The rules change almost daily when dealing with insurance companies. There are many things that need improvement.

With that being said, I have been concerned from the first mention of Obamacare about how it will be paid for. When a business (in this case it is insurance companies) are told that they are required to expand the services they offer, no longer allowed to set limits on the number of times a client can access essential services, continue providing services for children for more years and deal with countless other provisions of the law that will cost the insurance company more money — well, they have to be able to pay for the huge increase in cost to their company — or they will go out of business.

How will the pay for the cost? They pay for it by increasing the cost of the insurance premium and reducing the amount of money they pay to providers — and by many other means — or they go out of business.

I am extremely disappointed in the ruling by the Supreme Court and look forward to John Boehner calling for a vote on July 9 to repeal the law.

Dr. David McFadden

Bartlett

Roberts put law above politics

This was a surprisingly and pleasantly unexpected decision; fair and reasonable. They actually got it “right” for a change. Kudos to Chief Justice Roberts for putting the law above politics.

Gilbert Riley

Arlington Heights

Law will force layoffs, greater tax burden

This ruling on health care will force my company to lay people off to cover the additional costs that will be incurred for the “new” health insurance coverage. The ruling is also a major tax burden on the average working person. How much more freedom and income does this administration want to take from us?

Tim Ronan

Wauconda

We need this

I think the bill is greatly needed.

Dolores Lienesch

Grayslake

Constitution no longer relevant

Now the government can dictate that one carries health care. What will be the next requirement by this president and the liberal court? Rights are being dictated by the government and our constitution does not mean a thing. We are doomed.

John Damusis

Naperville

About time we help others

This decision will help those who do not have insurance and it is about time we take care of those who are in need instead of thinking of ourselves all the time.

James Shook

Round Lake

Who will pay for this? Me, that’s who

I have always thought this is not something the government should have control over. It’s just filled with too many holes and it most likely end up being mismanaged, just like Medicaid & Medicare. First, it seems to benefit the few and tax the many. And the initial estimates on funding this monster is absolutely way too low. So who’s going to pay the difference? Me, the taxpayer.

And the way this is supposed to work is that everyone is required to pay into this, even the ones that don’t think they need it. I hear that if the ones that wish not to pay, there are’t any repercussions outlined in the plan. In other words, nothing happens to the individual who just refuses to contribute. So who is going to make up for that shortfall? Me, the taxpayer.

Also this plan deters the private sector from keeping up with their health care plans by setting the fines for not having a plan lower than what they are paying into it. So what happens? The ones with a satisfactory health care plan will lose it because it’s cheaper for the business to not opt for a plan, so they have to get health care from where — oh the government. So this is how the government squeezes out its competition, by making laws that benefit themselves. So much for promising to keep the health care market open.

Oh, no one talks about favoritism, where the “ins” get to opt out of the government’s health care. So who are those? The unions, lobbyists, donators and anyone who plays ball with the current administration. Chicago politics are at its best in Washington. What happened to the campaign promise for bipartisanship? None here, or for any other topic for that matter. So how can we put trust in anything from this administration?

Lastly, under the government’s plan, the decision for medical care will fall in the hands of an administrator, where he/she would determine who should receive care and who should not, depending on age, medical condition and quality of life. In other words, the patient, patient’s family or doctor would not have a say in the matter. So the end result is a government administrator would end up deciding who should live and who should die (not receive (further) treatment). And that administrator’s loyalties are not towards the patient.

I don’t think my outlook is too far from the truth, and what scares the heck out of me is that many Americans do not understand this, or many of these concepts. And this administration thrives on the fact that the many do not realize what is actually happening.

Mike Kovathana

Hoffman Estates

Debt will pile up

Since the Supreme Court was charged with determining the constitutional legality of the law we have to respect their decision. However, we don’t have to trust the Obama administration’s “estimate” of the law’s costs and impact. They backloaded the cost implications, trusting they would be in their second term and therefore, not have to deal with the cost shortfalls/overrun, leaving the debt to someone else to deal with.

The law should be repealed and restructured by the next administration (hopefully in 2013) where the best elements of it can be preserved (age 26 for those not employed where they can get benefits, no lifetime cost limitation, and no “precondition” coverage for anyone who doesn’t have insurance at the time). I realize the current law doesn’t provide the underlined protections in the manner in which they are stated, but it should, and therefore it should be changed.

Frank Colosi

Arlington Heights

In time, will see law as progress

In my opinion, the court ruling to uphold the constitutionality of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act is a positive step in changing health care in the U.S. The court wisely resisted going beyond answering the question at hand, and popular insurance measures related to pre-existing conditions and coverage for people up to age 26 on their parent’s insurance were upheld. In addition, funding innovative programs to save money under Medicare and the Public Health fund for preventive programs will also continue. There are still challenges facing the states in implementing insurance exchanges and finding funds for expanded Medicaid eligibility, but these state level decisions would need to be grappled with, regardless of the existence of PPACA. I hope people take the time to look beyond the rhetoric to examine their own health insurance coverage before and after these reforms, and come to appreciate this law as progress!

Shelly Ebbert

Arlington Heights

Precedents court used aren’t constitutional

The Supreme Court ruled that DemocratCare was constitutional on the basis of stare decisis, that is, precedent, which is what SCOTUS is supposed to do. However, the precedents which it relied on are unconstitutional. The federal government has been operating illegally — unconstitutionally — at least since the time of Woodrow Wilson.

George Kocan

Warrenville

With each conflict, nation moves forward

I agree with the Supreme Court decision. The law is not perfect but amendments can be made to it over time. The argument that the mandate was unconstitutional was not valid. Every pay period since I began working 41 years ago a deduction has appeared on my pay stub for Social Security and Medicare. I was not asked if I wanted to participate in those programs.

If you ruled the insurance mandate was unconstitutional it would be a valid argument that both the Social Security and Medicare deductions are unconstitutional. We could then abolish Social Security and Medicare and remove a source of income and affordable medical care from our elderly. We would be on a path to become the next Third World nation.

The United States of America is one of the richest and most powerful nations in the world. I find it hard to believe with the wealth and power bestowed upon this nation that the political leadership we have cannot move forward in some form of compromise to make Social Security, Medicare, and Obamacare stronger and highly beneficial for all Americans.

This nation has throughout history been involved in political conflicts. It was a conflict that brought about the existence of the Declaration Of Independence and the United States Constitution. It was a conflict that brought about the Civil War. It was a conflict that brought about the Woman’s Right Movement. It was a conflict that brought about the Civil Rights Movement. It was a conflict that brought about the Gay Rights Movement. We have made it through these conflicts and became a stronger nation in the process.

It is time for all political parties (Democrat, Republican, Independent, Tea Party Republican) to break down the wall and start working together toward beneficial compromise. If the deadlock in Washington that has existed over the past two years continues, God help us all.

Joe Marek

Chicago

Supreme Court did its job

I am glad that our system of checks and balances works. The Supreme Court is there to protect the Constitution, not decide what is good or bad for America. This country needs to take a good look at itself. We, as a nation, cannot allow a large part of our citizens to go uninsured and without health care.

I am very tired and frustrated with those who are opposed to the ACA who keep saying there will be death panels, higher rates or you will lose your favorite doctor. We already have that — the insurance companies. The insurance company needs to preapprove tests, surgeries, and directions from doctors. Please explain the difference.

There is still much work to be done to get and maintain universal health care for all Americans. This is just the first step.

Barbara Jo Scott

Arlington Heights

Why doesn’t anyone see the problem?

The Supreme Court has just violated our civil rights. Our Constitution, for what it’s worth now, has been trampled on by this administration and I am amazed at how many Americans don’t see it. Maybe it is because our society has been dumbed down so much by our school systems. Our Constitution says we, as Americans, cannot be forced into any type of contract by our government or anyone else.

So how did the get around it? By having the fines handled by the IRS, thereby using a loophole in the law that considers the fine a tax. Give me a break! What will it be next?

OK, the damage is done! Now what? Well, I give this program about 10-12 years and it will be another government program that will be sucking tax dollars out of our pockets. It will be an albatross just as welfare, Medicare and Fannie Mae are. The government has never run anything efficiently, why do people think it would change with Obamacare?

And for those who think this rant comes from another disgruntled Republican, guess again. I am not a Republican.

Bruce Gardner

Hoffman Estates

A great day for America

The current system has been broken for years. Major changes are needed. While I am not 100 percent convinced that ACA is the best answer, it does address many of the shortcomings of the system in place today. In all, today was a great day for America and Americans.

Tom Zielinski

Elk Grove Village

R.I.P., personal liberty

On June 28th in Washington D.C., personal liberty and freedom died of acute socialism after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on ObamaCare mandates. It is now necessary for someone to step up and put a large fork in the belly of our great nation — because we’re done!

Charles F. Falk

Schaumburg

Thrilled with ruling, now let’s build on it

I am thrilled that the Supreme Court upheld the law. It is not perfect, but an important first step to providing basic health care to all U.S. citizens. We are so far behind as compared to all other developed Western countries. I know personally so many people who can’t get coverage, pay huge premiums because they are self-employed or are overwhelmed with medical debt just because they needed a simple test and have minimal insurance due to their job situation.

We need to build on this law and continue with change. Stop the arguing, Congress — move forward and do something in the interest of the people instead of the health insurance industry.

Terry Ryan

Rolling Meadows

Health care a right, not a privilege

I think the decision was absolutely correct. The United States of America was the only one of 33 developed nations that did not have some kind of universal health care, be it single payer, two tier, or insurance mandate. We have now joined the other nations in which health care is considered a right, not a privilege. Thank you, President Obama and the SCOTUS.

Judith A. Carlson

Des Plaines

Grandchildren will benefit

I think it is fantastic. No president in the last 20 years has even attempted a health care plan. We are already paying for those who cannot/do not. This will help relieve some of that. My grandchildren with pre-existing conditions will now be able to get insurance in the future. Thank you Mr. President and thank you Supreme Court.

Vaughan Nesslar

Glen Ellyn

Romney should be happy

Good that the health care bill was upheld and Gov. Romney should stop being a crybaby over this decision as he had a similar bill he presented to and passed by the Massachusetts House and Senate and Gov. Romney signed into law.

John Meehan

Mundelein

Almost perfect

If they got rid of the nonsense in the plan it would be OK.

Rick Tanner

Sleepy Hollow

A good first step

While the Health Care Reform Act isn’t perfect, I’m thrilled the Supreme Court has chosen to uphold it! It’s the right thing to do, both for individuals and our country as a whole. Improving the health of our workers and reducing the cost of Medicare and Medicaid expenses will result in our federal dollars going toward more important activities, like education, infrastructure and research & development.

The first effort of a law is never perfect. So I expect our lawmakers to work together in a bipartisan fashion to address any issues. I’m guessing that will have to wait until after the fall election, though!

Deirdre O’Riordan

Arlington Heights

Law bad for patients, bad for doctors

This law was upheld by the court as a TAX. It was sold to us by this President as “no way a tax.” The IRS may now be in your wallet for another tax. Fifty million more people are now going to be supported by this middle class tax to pay for this huge expansive program.

On June 26 a huge survey of primary care physicians indicated 64 percent of doctors know this law will result in them having less control over treating their patients and will in fact result in reduced care and access to their doctors.

Remember the promise by this president, “You can keep your doctor; if you like your plan you can keep it.” Those statements are false as well. As the swing voter Justice Roberts stated, this law while constitutional as a tax does not mean it is good policy, that is for the people to choose in elections.

Chuck McCall

Arlington Heights

Still prefers socialized system

I agree with the Supreme Court decision upholding the Health Care Law.

We have needed a solution to our health care problem for years, and the law, although not what I would have preferred, gets everybody covered and maintains a high degree of capitalism and choice in selecting health insurance (insurance executives need not worry, your cushy jobs and high profits will not disappear).

I still believe a socialized system like that in Canada, (where my company is headquartered) would result in much lower per capita health care costs and better overall outcomes than the system we are about to enter. It is ridiculous in this day and age that we still have a health care system in this the richest country in the world that does not cover all of our citizens and leaves many of our neediest citizens without adequate coverage.

The Supreme Court was correct in affirming the individual mandate is just another form of federal tax.

Donald S. Meister

Fox Lake

Shameful that U.S. so backward on health care

Statistics from 2005 through 2009, indicate that America is ranked 36th in health and health care for its people. It falls behind Japan, Hong Kong, Iceland, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Israel, France, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Austria, Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, The United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Chile. After 35 other countries, America shares the rank of 36th with Denmark and Cuba for life expectancy.

Of those 35 countries that precede the USA, all have a type of government-supported health care, be it single payer, two tier or mandated.

It has been a 100-year struggle in the USA and, hopefully, the American people can begin the road back to health. We should also hope that the GOP does not continue its misguided assault on the American public by continuing their threat to bleed the program by whittling away funding or through outright attacks, piece by piece by piece. Americans deserve better.

Gail Talbot

Huntley

This only helps Romney

I wanted Obamacare to be repealed because it was the right thing to do but if you are a conservative this dramatically helps Romney’s campaign. Because now the only way to get rid of Obamacare, which the vast majority of Americans don’t want, is to elect Romney in order to get it repealed through Congress.

Basically the court struck down the mandate as a mandate and called it a tax which means the IRS now has to police millions of Americans which is not a good thing for them or us.

Bill Hoidas

Barrington

Hope health care is settled now

I am very pleased that the Supreme Court came to the decision to uphold the Affordable Health Care Act. I have a grandson with Juvenile Diabetes. He is now assured of having health care. I hope Congress does not discard this act, and I hope that if Romney wins the presidency he will not cancel it.

Joan Herbst

Grayslake

Ball is now in health care industry’s court

I think the Supreme Court has done its job. Maybe not as expected by those who do not agree with the bill.

I have heard the terms socialism, Marxism and dictator used to describe the health care act. Yet we as a society will accept Social Security, Medicare and a plethora of other services.

For those who can’t afford health care, those who have been dropped from health care and those caring for the disabled and sick or who are disabled, this is a good day.

It is quite probable that at the end of this good/bad day, we were all paying the price for health care for those who didn’t have health care anyway.

I don’t think this battle is over either. The whole health care industry will need to embrace the changes needed in their sector to facilitate the new law. After Washington, that sector is the next slowest, at least as it pertains to change. And the first sign of embracing the change will be higher cost of service. Then we can witness some political entity be burned in effigy for attempting to do what should have been done 50 years ago when we first recognized the problem.

In the least, this has been an interesting study of how our government works. In the best, maybe a sick child can now receive the same medical treatment that we all want.

Michael J. McMeins

East Dundee

Court ruling distorts Constitution

In “upholding” the ObamaCare mandate, the U.S. Supreme Court has again distorted the Constitution to serve the interests of Big Government. Nowhere in the Constitution it is stated or even implied that the federal government can dictate what individuals must do “to protect their own health,” but five members of this high court have opined that somehow it’s “constitutional”.

Time for people to get serious about demanding a return to Constitutional principles at all levels of government — otherwise, America will soon collapse from the corruption that pervades most government officials. Start by contacting your own congressman and telling him that you want them to repeal ObamaCare completely now!

Frank Annerino

Lombard

Ruling will stabilize insurance system

I am happy about the decision because more people will have access to health care for preventive care. The more people in any insurance system help to create a more stable and cost effective organization.

Karen Deering, RN

Barrington

Minority opinion is right on

I agree with Justices Scalia, Thomas, Kennedy and Alito that there is a “mountain of evidence” that the mandate is not a tax. “To say that the Individual Mandate merely imposes a tax is not to interpret the statute but to rewrite it”.

The individual mandate is the government forcing Americans to enter a market and buy a product against their will. We are becoming more of an entitlement society. We are headed the way of Europe.

Make it a good day in the LORD!

Lynne Benson

Buffalo Grove

Roberts is a turncoat

Chicago-style political thinking has made its way to the Supreme Court.

Everyone was so worried how Kennedy would vote. Turns out we were worried about the wrong guy. Chief Justice Roberts, for the second time in a week, has sided with the four libs on the Court. Seems like Roberts is just as reliable a conservative thinker as turncoat Scott Brown in Mass.

Today’s leftist decision makes it all the more absolutely vital that Obama is thrown out of the White House. If he gets re-elected, not only is my generation screwed, so are my kids and my grandkids. Not only will he bring down our economy more than it is, our country — both domestically & foreign policy, including protection of the USA, will be severely & irreparably damaged.

Julie Lupo

Geneva

Right thing for me, and my business

I am glad to see the Chief Justice put the good of the country and the Constitution ahead of political issues. America needs universal health care. As a small-business owner, I show my appreciation for my employees by offering them health care. Not only is it the right thing to do, it is the right thing to do for my business.

Juan B Arias

Arlington Heights

No comparison to car insurance

What do I think? I think it’s a travesty. It doesn’t compare to having to have car insurance. My taxes do not pay for my car insurance. I pay for it, I pay for the PRIVILEGE to drive.

Saying the health care law is akin to a tax is a way for the Supreme Court to have it both ways. Our health care will now become like the Chicago Public school system. Look at the fine job our state gov’t has done with the taxes they take from us now. Look at the fine job our federal gov’t is doing with our taxes ... we are in debt! Trillions of dollars in debt, and now we are adding to the debt pot. Oh well, what’s another trillion or so.

Susan O’Neil

Barrington

Another freedom lost

Disappointed with decision. Americans losing their freedom on a regular basis. Justice Roberts has turned on the Constitution.

Barb Paschke

Winfield

Ruling takes judgment away from me

Are we back to British Colonial rule? Are we providing a service? Selling something? No! this is a tax being put on the people to make up for the governments shortfalls.

Is it a right to have health care? No! If I can afford health insurance, then it is my judgment whether to buy it or not. It is not the responsibility of the people who have gone to school and applied themselves to take care of those who have not.

I grew up poor. I got good grades. I got a good job and stuck with it. Now because I have sacrificed living the “good” life, I’m supposed to take care of those who have squandered their pay or made bad decisions or who don’t put the effort in to make their life better? What have we become? This is not how our Founding Fathers would have seen things go.

Bob Fota

Carol Stream

The young get burdened again

I love the decision. I am a senior and I’ll be getting more health care with little cost to me. Who will pay? I don’t know and I don’t care. Probably the younger and the middle class, those that pay federal taxes. Why not, aren’t they supposed to care for the old?

The young won’t mind, after all, they overwhelmingly voted for our president so I am sure they agree with Obama Care. The other approximately 40 percent that don’t pay any federal tax, don’t care. Why should they, not out of their pocket. If the rich paid their fair share much of the funding problems would be solved, according to our president..

Does all this stress you out? Don’t worry, I have a good lawyer that will get you on disability. He will even send a car to pick you up.

Duke Lipinsky

Wheaton

Politicians don’t care about the people

Hang down your head Americans.

We as Americans should be shocked with the actions of this administration! Who of these politicians care for the “people” they are supposed to represent! Why are all the unions exempt from all this?

Hang down your head Americans!

Thomas J. Carter

StreamwoodHuge sense of relief

My immediate reaction? A huge sense of relief! To see the Chief Justice side with the progressive minority was a remarkable occurrence! Now let’s get on with the government’s job of promoting the general welfare.

Cal Claus

Arlington Heights

Exactly what is needed

It was exactly what needed to be done. Health insurance is not an option, as our broke Illinois Medicaid program illustrates. Not one conservative would ever deny someone health care because of lack of insurance or ability to pay, but they expect the medical providers to do it. That doesn’t happen and the states, counties, and cities bear the costs.

Bill Olander

Bloomingdale

Preckwinkle reacts

I applaud today’s decision by the Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act. In accordance with this historic ruling, the Cook County Health and Hospitals System will continue to seek a 1115 Medicaid Waiver from the work Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This waiver, if approved by the federal government, would permit CCHHS to receive federal reimbursement for the costs of treatment provided to the tens of thousands of our patients who currently have no medical coverage but will gain access to Medicaid on Jan. 1, 2014.

CCHHS is the foundation of the safety-net health network in northeastern Illinois. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court will allow our system to proactively prepare for Affordable Care Act implementation in 2014.

Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board President

Everyone will need health care

I think it was the right decision. People are going bankrupt after paying premiums to insurance companies their whole lives and then being given some (stupid) reason why they won’t cover their illness. Everyone at some point in their lives will need health care. We are paying for these people to use emergency rooms for ridiculous reasons because they have no coverage. Every American should have health insurance and not be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition either.

Again the naysayers are against being forced to buy something against their will. Yet no person is denied health care that needs it — are they? So their argument is basically why should I be forced to pay for it when everyone else will? It’s time we all take responsibility for our own health and stop letting insurance companies play games with our lives.

Mary May

Hoffman Estates

It may be legal, but it’s not right

If the mandate is a tax why didn’t they call it a tax? The Supremes may have called it legal but that doesn’t make it right. This is a fundamental change to the relationship between the government and the citizen and I think it will create a complete mess in the health care industry and the budget deficit will explode. It’s a sad day.

Steve Murray

Bloomingdale

Moving to Fla. as fast as possible

The Health Care Ruling is a joke! Another mandate on the backs of small business owners. Without major concessions and cutbacks by the federal government, this is just more burden put on everyday Americans, especially small business owners.

My company recently had an employment claim, our first in 10 years, totaling a $3,600 payout. Our Illinois unemployment tax went from $6,300 per year to $22,000 for the next three years! This is $66,000 for a $3,600 claim. How does Illinois think they can get away with this and it not be criminal?

The state of Illinois and federal government mentality is so off base it’s awful! Moving to Florida as fast as possible!

Mark G. Nelson, president & CEO

LLA Inc.

Barrington