US Supreme Court to Make Historic Health-Care Decision

March 22, 2012

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court will take up a case that will have a lasting effect on American laws and virtually every American's access to health care. For three days, the justices will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act - a medical insurance overhaul that the U.S. Congress passed two years ago.

Three families explain what's at stake for them.

Just like he did four years ago, Miles Fawcett is there to catch his daughter when she needs him.

Serena was born with a severe liver defect. Her dad donated part of his liver to save his little girl's life. Now both have what's called a pre-exisiting condition.

Key aspects and programs of the Affordable Care Act:

Adult children can remain on their parent’s insurance coverage through the age of 26.

An end to lifetime limits on the dollar value of benefits available to people with serious medical conditions.

Preventive healthcare benefits including free coverage for mammograms and birth control.

Medicare beneficiaries get a 50% discount on covered brand name drugs and 14% savings on generic drugs.

Insurance companies must justify unreasonably large healthcare premium increases.

Business with more than 200 employees must enroll their employees in health insurance programs or pay a penalty.