More states join lawsuit against healthcare reform

posted by Michael Hanson

The national healthcare reform bill was one of the most controversial and sweeping laws to be approved in decades and certain states threatened to file a lawsuit if it was passed.

Insurance Journal reports that five more states have joined the others to make 18 states total suing the federal government over the passage of the healthcare bill. The lawsuit alleges the $2.5 trillion healthcare reform violates states' constitutional rights and will make money-strapped state governments spend more than they are able, Insurance Journal said.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum told Insurance Journal that "we welcome the partnership of Indiana, North Dakota, Mississippi, Nevada, and Arizona as we continue fighting to protect the constitutional rights of American citizens and the sovereignty of our states." The other states involved in the suit are Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Idaho, and South Dakota.

The Republican-led lawsuit has experts questioning whether it will make it to the Supreme Court, according to Insurance Journal. The healthcare bill was passed with Democratic votes only.

Changes to the healthcare system will include keeping insurance premiums down, banning denial of coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions, and improving Medicare benefits.