WASHINGTON Saving its biggest case for last, the Supreme Court is expected to announce its verdict today on President Barack Obamas health care law.

The outcome is likely to be a factor in the presidential campaign and help define John Roberts legacy as chief justice.

But the courts ruling almost certainly will not be the last word on Americas tangled efforts to address health care woes. The problems of high medical costs, widespread waste and tens of millions of people without insurance will require Congress and the president to keep looking for answers, whether or not the Affordable Care Act passes the test of constitutionality.

A look at potential outcomes:

Q: What if the Supreme Court upholds the law and finds Congress was within its authority to require most people to have health insurance or pay a penalty?

A: That would settle the legal argument, but not the political battle.

The clear winners if the law is upheld and allowed to take full effect would be uninsured people in the United States, estimated at more than 50 million.

Starting in 2014, most could get coverage through a mix of private insurance and Medicaid.

Republicans would keep trying to block the law. They will try to elect likely presidential candidate Mitt Romney, backed by a GOP House and Senate, and repeal the law, although their chances of repeal would seem to be diminished by the courts endorsement.

Obama would feel the glow of vindication for his hard-fought health overhaul, but it might not last long even if hes re-elected.

Original post:

Health-care ruling won't stop the headaches