Judge says he will likely let some of states’ challenge to Obama health care plan go to trial

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States’ suit on Obama health plan may go to trial

PENSACOLA, Fla. — A federal judge says he likely will let go to trial portions of a lawsuit by Florida and 19 other states challenging the president’s health care overhaul as unconstitutional.

But U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson said at a Tuesday hearing in Pensacola that he expects to dismiss other parts.

Vinson didn’t specify which parts of the lawsuit likely will go to trial but said he will issue a ruling by Oct. 14.

The states and the administration disagree over sections of the law that will require people to have health insurance or face tax penalties. They also disagree over whether states should pay additional Medicaid costs not covered by the federal government.

The lawsuit is likely to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) — The Obama administration hopes a federal judge in Florida will toss a lawsuit by that state and 19 others claiming the president’s health care overhaul is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson will hold a hearing in the case Tuesday morning in Pensacola.

The states and the government disagree over sections of the law that will require people to have health insurance or face tax penalties. They also disagree over whether states should pay additional Medicaid costs not covered by the federal government.

The lawsuit is likely to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Florida’s Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum filed the lawsuit just minutes after President Barack Obama signed the health care bill into law.