Chicago Attorney General Lisa Madigan today joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing an expedited motion to prevent disruption to Americans' healthcare and to challenge Friday's opinion in Texas v. HHS, which ruled that that the Affordable Care Act ( ACA ) was unconstitutional.
Today's motion seeks clarification on the impact of Friday's decision and requests that the judge prevent any confusion about the opinion. The motion requests the court to make clear that the ACA is still the law of the land and will continue to be enforced and implemented by states, the federal government, and entities across the country until an order by the court expressly states otherwise. While the California-led multistate coalition maintains the position that the ACA is the law of the land, Friday's opinion has caused uncertainty in the nation's healthcare system that could harm people across the country.
"The federal court's ruling could deprive millions of Americans of health care coverage," Madigan said. "Today's motion asks the court to clarify that the Affordable Care Act can continue to provide critical access to health care to residents of Illinois and across the country."
Today's filing is a critical step in challenging Friday's opinion. It requests that the Court provide clarity on its opinion and confirm that it does not change the status quo. Attorney General Madigan has alternatively asked the court to grant an immediate stay that requires the federal government, states and all entities to continue enforcing and implementing the ACA. Madigan has also asked the court to certify the opinion, so that it may be appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals immediately.