Healthcare Multi-State Litigation Amended Complaint Includes 20 States

PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Marty J. Jackley announces that 20 states have joined in today’s filing of the Amended Complaint challenging the federal healthcare reform act.  The lawsuit which is filed in federal court in the Northern District of Florida now features the 20 state plaintiffs and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).  

“Improving healthcare is too important to build on an unconstitutional foundation through a process that failed to respect states’ rights.  This challenge is about ensuring that the federal government does not exceed its authority by this unprecedented act of forcing citizens to purchase a product or face a penalty,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley.    

Jackley further announced that South Dakota’s share of the multi-state cost agreement has been set not to exceed $1,000 which remains well within the initial $25,000 maximum reserve litigation budget.  The unfunded federal healthcare mandate has been projected to adversely impact South Dakota’s Medicaid budget by approximately $53,700,000.   

For a copy of the Amended Complaint or to view healthcare lawsuit - Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the South Dakota Attorney General’s website Health Care Lawsuit FAQ.

The following states have joined the multi-state litigation:  Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Indiana, North Dakota, Mississippi, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and Alaska.  Virginia has filed a separate lawsuit and has indicated a desire to assist with the Florida case along with additional states through Amicus Curiae or “friend of the court” briefing.