Opponents argue the health law 'went too far'

Briefs filed by 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business argue that Congress overstepped its constitutional authority when it mandated that individuals buy health insurance or pay a penalty.

Reuters: Opponents: Congress Went Too Far In Obama Healthcare Law
Congress went beyond its powers by requiring Americans to buy insurance under President Barack Obama's sweeping healthcare overhaul, opponents told the Supreme Court on Monday in arguing the law's centerpiece provision should be struck down. In separate written briefs, 26 states and an independent business group argued Congress overstepped its authority under the Constitution to regulate interstate commerce by mandating that individuals buy health insurance or pay a penalty by 2014 (Vicini, 2/6).

CQ HealthBeat: Health Care Law 'Harmful' For The Uninsured But Aids Insurers, NFIB Tells High Court
Lawyers for the National Federation of Independent Business told the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that the health care law's requirement that all Americans have health insurance would compel the uninsured to engage in economic activity that harms them but benefits insurance companies. In their brief, the lawyers for the law's opponents said that the "harmful" activity is making healthy people buy something they don't believe they need: health insurance from a commercial firm. "Never before has Congress enacted such a regulatory mandate," says the brief (Norman, 2/6).

Georgia Health News: Small Firms Not Unanimous On Health Reform
Jackie Garson Howard started her fine-stationery business out of her Atlanta home almost 40 years ago.  ... Unlike many small business owners, Howard supports the 2010 health care reform law. "I'm very much in favor of it,"' she says."Morally, I think everybody needs coverage." ... [Meanwhile, a] national organization representing small firms, citing the insurance requirement, has filed a lawsuit opposing the reform law. The National Federation of Independent Business says the coverage mandate will prevent firms from creating jobs. Surveys by NFIB over the years have repeatedly shown health costs being the No. 1 concern of small businesses  (Miller and Patel, 2/6).