Attorneys Say House ACA Lawsuit Has Better Chance Of Proceeding

According to the Los Angeles Times (8/21, Savage), “attorneys agree” that “an amended complaint and a recent Supreme Court ruling” have given the House’s lawsuit against the Obama Administration over the implementation of the Affordable Care Act a “much better” chance of proceeding. The lawsuit alleges that the Administration overstepped its authority by sending billions of dollars to health insurers under the ACA because that money was not appropriated by Congress. The Administration initially submitted a request for an annual appropriation, but officials including HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell later “decided the so-called cost-sharing payments to insurers were mandatory and were akin to an entitlement written into law, so there was no need to seek additional approval from Congress.” House Republicans disagree, and a Federal judge is expected to soon decide on whether the complaint can proceed.