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Politics & Government

POLL: Do You Agree With the Supreme Court's Decision to Uphold the Health Care Act?

The health care reform bill dubbed "Obamacare", signed into law in March 2010, has been under scrutiny by many–including 26 states that filed a lawsuit against it.

The most controversial clause of the Affordable Care Act has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, the court announced Thursday.

The group of bills aimed at overhauling the American health care system was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. Since then, 26 states filed suit against the act, stating that provisions in it required most uninsured Americans to purchase health insurance were unconstitutional.

According to the Washington Post, the Supreme Court agreed that the mandate itself is unconstitutional, but that it is within the rights of Congress to tax individuals for not having health care. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion.

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The ruling also upheld a portion of the bill that asks states to expand their Medicaid coverage, but said that the federal government cannot without Medicaid funding for states that choose not to comply.

Congressman John Dingell, an ardent supporter of the act, applauded the ruling.

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“We have a long-term effective solution to the health care crisis in this country," Dingell said in a written statement. "And, now, I am proud to say that with the agreement of the Supreme Court, we can continue on with the business of making sure Americans have access to the best medicines, hospitals and medical professionals in the world.

"I know my father who started this fight is smiling from up above.”

, which operates , said the decision will not change Oakwood's approach to providing healthcare.

“We will continue to push forward with major innovations in quality and value, and our Credo, “Patients Come First,” will always drive our business decisions and action," Oakwood CEO Brian Connolly said in a release.

“Health care will always be an industry driven by change. Innovations in care delivery respond to the evolving needs of our patients and our communities. Oakwood’s business decisions will continue to uphold our ongoing commitment to serving our patients.”

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