{mosads}Legal challenges to the new law are focused on its requirement that most people buy insurance. Critics say the individual coverage mandate is unconstitutional because Congress cannot force people to buy a product solely on the basis of being citizens.
The law’s defenders say the purchase in question isn’t insurance, but healthcare services — which everyone will end up using at some point. Requiring people to buy insurance is simply regulating how (and whether) people pay for healthcare, according to the Obama administration.
Two federal appeals courts have ruled on the mandate. One found it constitutional; the other struck it down but allowed the rest of the law to stand. Cuccinelli’s suit is still awaiting a ruling from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. That decision could come any time.