Headline Hunting for Supreme Court Impact on ObamaCare

I’ve gone hunting for headlines to see how media is responding to Supreme Court upholding federal health exchange subsidies.

Left-leaning publications are joyous. Right-tilting media are either furious with Chief Justice Roberts or happy Republicans are now free to pursue repeal.

Here is a sample of today’s headlines.

“Supreme Deliverance for Republicans,” Fox News



“Twisted Logic of John Roberts Ruling,” New York Post



“ Health Law Nightmare is Just Beginning,” National Interest



“Health Care Ruling a Landmark Victory for White House,” Real Clear Politics




“ No Easy Road for Health Law: Troubles Remain: Still Highly Unpopular with Significant Structural Issues,” Politico



“Krauthammer: No Question GOP Will Repeal if They Win”


“Supreme Court Allows National Health Care Subsidies,” New York Times

I was particularly interested in what the headlines were in the Wall Street Journal, long a harsh critic of ObamaCare. Here are 11 WSJ headlines and subheadings.

“High Court Saves Health Law: Justices in 6-3 Ruling Uphold Provision of Obama’s Signature Program; Republicans Vow To Continue Fight.



“Roberts Charts Own Path: Frustrated Conservatives Again”





“Insurers and Hospitals Breath Sign of Relief”



“Ruling Caps a Week of Wins for the President

“Decision Pushes Health Care to Fore of GOP Campaign”



“Companies to Take Aim at Law’s Fees”



“Disputed Ruling Has Long Backstory”



“ObamaCare Debate Begins Anew”



“The Political John Roberts: The Chief Justice Again Rewrites ObamaCare to Save It”



“ObamaCare Wins One, America Loses”



“Antonin Scalia Dissents

There you have it. For some, Supreme Court ruling is a resounding victory. For others, it is a Pyrrhic victory, destined to last only until 2016, if Republicans win. For most, ObamaCare’a structural problems still lurk - soaring premiums and deductibles, unpopularity among public, losses of choice of doctors and health plans, and negative impact on economic growth.. The decision is good in short term for Obama, uninsured, hospitals, and insurers. But it is bad in many respects for some people who want prompt access to care they need, from a doctor, hospital, and health plan they choose, at a price they can afford.