National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius [2012]
567 U.S. 519 (2012) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Summary
Major modern federal powers and health law case.
Facts
Challenges targeted the Affordable Care Act individual mandate and Medicaid expansion.
Issue
Could Congress enact the mandate and Medicaid expansion under enumerated powers?
Held
The mandate was sustained as a tax; the Medicaid expansion remedy was limited.
Ratio Decidendi
Congress may tax conduct but may not coerce states through unduly punitive spending conditions.
Reasoning
The taxing power supported the payment, while coercive spending conditions raised federalism concerns.
Significance
Major modern federal powers and health law case.
Related Cases
No related cases listed.
Exam Tips
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.