Justice Dept. seeks dismissal of healthcare suit

{mosads}Healthcare reform requires most people to purchase insurance, beginning in 2014. The federal government has made an aggressive argument that people, states and organizations don’t have standing to sue over the mandate unless they can prove that they are or would be affected.

Plaintiff Jann DeMars initially said she did not have insurance and her employer didn’t offer it, meaning she would have to buy a policy on her own once the mandate takes effect. But in a supplemental filing this week, she said she has coverage through her employer — and has since before the suit was filed.

Oral arguments in the case, Thomas More Law Center v. Obama, are scheduled for Wednesday.

The other plaintiffs in the suit either didn’t file briefs outlining their standing or said only that the mandate would require them to change their lifestyles, according to the Justice Department.