This week, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit brought against the federal government by Texas and 25 other states that questions the constitutionality of several key aspects of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Texas Tribune and KTRK-TV in Houston have partnered to cover these proceedings by showing you how the law has already affected some residents and by curating content that explains what's at stake for nearly 6 million Texans who remain uninsured.
On Monday, the justices considered oral arguments over whether the fact that a taxation provision in the Affordable Care Act doesn't go into effect until 2014 means the current legal challenge is premature. KTRK-TV's Ted Oberg told the story of how some provisions in the new law are already helping Texas families. As mentioned in his report, also check out these Tribune interactives that show how many Texans are relying on the state's various health care programs, who the uninsured are and where the uninsured live.
Today, the court will review the individual mandate issue and whether Congress has the authority to enact it. The justices have allotted two hours for arguments. Tonight, the Tribune will feature Oberg's report on how the state's primary care workforce is getting smaller — just as the state prepares for an influx of Medicaid-eligible patients if the law goes into effect in 2014.
Below, we've Storified local reaction to the first day's events from various Texas players, including Attorney General Greg Abbott and Gov. Rick Perry. Take a look, and come back tomorrow for another summary.
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