Lawyers for the Department of Justice have asked a court to strike down key Obamacare regulations requiring insurers to offer coverage to those with pre-existing conditions at equal price, arguing that they are now invalid due to the passage of last year’s tax law.

While the legal move still faces an uphill climb, it creates another cloud of uncertainty for insurers in the coming months as they finalize rates for the new year. It is also sure to embolden Democrats who plan to make healthcare a central part of their strategy to retake Congress in this fall’s elections by arguing that Republicans led by President Trump are sabotaging Obamacare.

Recommended Stories

I hate Obamacare, but Texas judge’s decision on its unconstitutionality is an assault on the rule of law

Texas’ effort to gut Obamacare would have ‘a devastating impact,’ health groups say

Health chief: Trump’s lawsuit against Obamacare makes the same argument Obama did