By Jack Torry and Peggy O'Farrell Staff Writers 7:05 PM Saturday, June 16, 2012

WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court is on the verge of ruling on the new health care law, a decision that could throw health care into temporary chaos as providers and patients scramble to adjust to a wave of uncertainty in the system.

The justices might issue their decision as early as this week. They could deliver a staggering political blow to President Barack Obama by striking down the 2010 law, the signature achievement of the presidents first term that was designed to extend health care to millions of Americans currently without insurance.

The court also could stun conservative Republicans by giving their seal of approval to the law. Republicans in Congress joined by GOP state attorneys general objected that it unconstitutionally forced individuals to buy health insurance.

Instead, a growing number of analysts suggest that five of the justices will cobble together a fractured series of opinions that could leave parts of the law intact while striking down other sections. Such a ruling could create a chaotic situation for hospitals, physicians and patients.

I think hospitals wants clear direction either way, not just in the Supreme Court decision, but in all areas of public policy, said Jonathan Archey, a lobbyist for the Ohio Hospital Association. Whatever the Supreme Court does, were still going to have the issues that the (law) was designed to deal with.

Just about everyone will be affected by the courts decision: Business owners, health care providers, consumers, insurers and public administrators are all anxiously waiting for the justices decision.

SUBHEAD

For Marty Grunder, owner of Grunder Landscaping in Miamisburg, the law means more regulations for small-business owners already burdened by red tape.

It scares me, just in that its more regulation that we dont totally understand, and entrepreneurs, I feel, already have enough regulations to deal with, Grunder said. I hear administrators on both sides of the aisle telling everyone how important small business owners are and were the backbone of the American economy, and thats true. But I dont see a whole lot of action from the Obama side that makes me feel warm and fuzzy about whats going on here.

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Ruling could throw health care into chaos