The U.S. Supreme Court today agreed to hear a series of challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which includes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

In an order, the justices accepted a case from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. That decision said the law, which requires all Americans to maintain health insurance, was unconstitutional.

The 11th Circuit did not address the IHCIA, which permanently authorized a number of Indian health programs. But a decision from the Supreme Court could affect the entire health care reform law.

The justices will hear the case during their current term. That means a decision is likely by the summer of 2012.

American Indians and Alaska Natives are exempt from the health care insurance requirement. The law also provides a tax exemption for tribal members who receive health care benefits from their tribe.

Get the Story:
Supreme Court to hear challenge to Obama’s health-care overhaul (The Washington Post 11/14)
Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Health Law (The New York Times 11/14)