Later this month, the U.S. Supreme Court will examine the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), potentially producing a landmark decision.

Oral arguments will take place March 26, 27, and 28. There is no set timeframe within which the Court must act, but it is likely to issue a written opinion before the close of the current term in June, 2012. However it rules, the implications for health care in the United States will be profound.

One of the ACA’s key provisions being challenged is its proposed expansion of Medicaid to all citizens with incomes below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. If implemented, the Medicaid expansion would grant eligibility to an additional 800,000 Pennsylvanians.

To learn more about the challenges to the Affordable Care Act, read PHLP’s new article previewing the arguments of the upcoming Supreme Court case. In addition to explaining the cases, the article includes links to materials that further explain the issues raised by the cases, answer some of the key questions about the parties’ legal arguments, and consider potential effects of the Court’s decisions.

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project is a nonprofit legal services organization. As a nationally recognized expert and consultant on access to health care for low-income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, PHLP strives to educate and inform Pennsylvanians, their families and advocates, and the general public, regarding health policy issues that impact coverage and access to health care services.