American Freedom Law Center v. Obama

by
Appellants filed suit alleging that their health insurance premiums increased by 57% at the end of 2014 because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 26 U.S.C. 5000A(a)-(c). Appellants contend that in late 2013, HHS unlawfully implemented two policies: a “Transitional Policy,” which permitted health insurance companies to temporarily continue providing health insurance plans that do not comply with ACA requirements; and a “Hardship Exemption,” which permitted some individuals whose policies were cancelled for noncompliance to avoid the penalty under the individual mandate. The court affirmed the district court's determination that appellants lack standing because they have failed to demonstrate that the Transitional Policy caused appellants’ insurer, Blue Cross, to increase the premium for their health care plan specifically. Additionally, any alleged injury to appellants from the Transitional Policy stemmed not from the Policy itself, which HHS applied evenhandedly, but from Blue Cross’s decision not to take advantage of the Policy. Accordingly, appellants also lack standing to bring their equal protection challenge. View "American Freedom Law Center v. Obama" on Justia Law