This video explains the stakes for ObamaCare, America in today's King v. Burwell showdown

King v. Burwell could create &quot;two American health care systems&quot;

(Image credit: The New York Times)

published 4 March 2015

When the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Wednesday in King v. Burwell, its second major challenge to the Affordable Care Act, the same lawyers from the first case will square off again. U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. was widely panned for his defense of ObamaCare three years ago, but his secondary argument won in the end. On the other side, Michael Carvin will try again to undermine the law, arguing this time that legislators only allowed state-run health care exchanges to hand out federal subsidies.

If the justices side with Carvin this time, more than six million enrollees in three dozen states would likely lose their health insurance. In this short video, The New York Times explains the case and how it could essentially create "two American health care systems." —Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

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