Health Care Lawsuits Continue
On Thursday, the Goldwater Institute filed a lawsuit claiming that the federal health care law violates individual rights, exceeds the powers of Congress, oversteps the authority of states and violates separation of powers. Goldwater is representing 29 state legislators, 3 Congressmen and one small business owner.
Nick Coons, the lead plaintiff, currently pays for his own medical care, but will face fines from the IRS in 2014 if he does not buy an approved insurance plan. He says, “The government is making me spend money on something that I don’t want. Is a stranger who works for the government in some other part of the country really going to know what I need? I am the best qualified to make these decisions for myself.”
U.S. Representatives Jeff Flake, Trent Franks and John Shadegg have joined Mr. Coons as additional plaintiffs. They are concerned about the creation of the Independent Payment Advisory Board, which is charged with cost containment. This board will not have any oversight from Congress or the courts and can only be repealed during a brief period in 2017.
The Goldwater Institute is suing President Obama and Tim Geithner. See all the gruesome details here and read the whole complaint here.