BY The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Supreme Court has upheld the individual insurance requirement at the heart of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.
The court on Thursday handed Obama a campaign-season victory in rejecting arguments that Congress went too far in requiring most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.
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South Dakota Sen. John Thune says he's disappointed in the decision.
The Senate's third-ranking Republican says the GOP wants to work with Democrats step by step to improve and expand access to health care, while reducing costs to people and businesses.
Thune says Democratic President Barack Obama's law has failed to cut health insurance costs, but instead has raised insurance premiums.
Census Bureau data show about 105,000 South Dakotans had no health insurance in 2010, though state officials believe only about 71,000 people in the state are uninsured.
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Gov. Dennis Daugaard also expressed his dismay Thursday.
"I am disappointed with the Court's decision, but I am proud of the effort put forth by South Dakota and the other states involved in the lawsuit," the Governor said. "It is up to state leaders to stand up for the rights of our citizens when we believe the federal government steps beyond the bounds of the Constitution."
As a result of the Supreme Court decision, on Jan. 1, 2014, every individual American will still be required to purchase health insurance or pay a fine, and a health insurance exchange will be required in every state.
"I am still convinced that the President's health law is bad policy and I will continue to fight to protect South Dakota citizens from its harmful effects," Gov. Daugaard said. "I hope the next President and Congress will repeal this law after the election."
"Now that the lawsuit is behind us, it is our duty to study all the available options and make an informed decision that minimizes the damage this law could do to South Dakota's health care and insurance industries."
