The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the individual mandate . In a 5-4 decision in 2012, the court ruled that Congress could not require individuals to purchase health insurance or pay penalties for failing to do so. The federal government spends more on health care than on defense , Social Security or any other single expenditure category . : Now it 's time to focus on key goal of controlling health care costs . Affordable Care Act contains provisions that can improve health care system , they say . Horwitz , Levy : Court 's decision opens a new chapter in our history as we try out new policy .
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the individual mandate . In a 5-4 decision in 2012, the court ruled that Congress could not require individuals to purchase health insurance or pay penalties for failing to do so. : Now it 's time to focus on key goal of controlling health care costs . Affordable Care Act contains provisions that can improve health care system , they say . Horwitz , Levy : Court 's decision opens a new chapter in our history as we try out new policy .