Court Sets June Date to Hear Health Care Appeal

A court will hear oral arguments on June 8 in a government appeal of a federal judge's ruling that struck down President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare overhaul law as unconstitutional.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta said it would hear the appeal before a randomly selected three-judge panel. The fight over the law, Obama's signature domestic accomplishment, is expected to reach the Supreme Court.

"This appeal shall also be expedited to oral argument and shall be heard at oral argument on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. in Atlanta, before a three judge panel randomly selected," a court document said.

The administration is appealing a decision in January by District Judge Roger Vinson that favored arguments by 26 states which say the law's requirement that Americans buy health insurance starting in 2014 or pay a penalty is unconstitutional.

The law includes provisions allowing young adults to remain on their parents' healthcare insurance and prevents insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Debate over the law dominated politics in 2009 and galvanized Republicans who warned about its cost and said it was evidence of intrusive government power.