The Federal Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled 2-1 in finding the minimum coverage provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) constitutional. The minimum coverage provision or individual mandate requires nearly all Americans to purchase minimum health insurance coverage by 2014 or face financial penalties.

In Thomas More Law Center v. Obama, No. 10-2388 (6th Cir. Jun. 29 2011), the Court found “that the minimum coverage provision is a valid exercise of legislative power by Congress under the Commerce Clause.”

Two more PPACA cases are pending before the federal court of appeals in Virginia and Atlanta. Those courts heard oral arguments in May and June. The Sixth Circuit’s opinion upheld the district court ruling, which also held the law constitutional.

To read the case: http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/11a0168p-06.pdf