Health Ruling Celebrated By Washington State Officials

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state officials are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the federal health care reform law, even though it doesn't appear to directly affect the Washington exchange.

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler says he's relieved the court looked past political rhetoric and did what was in the best interests of individuals and families who have found affordable health care.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson says a different decision by the Supreme Court could have affected Washington, by starting a "death spiral" and undermining the Affordable Care Act.

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert says the Supreme Court's decision issued Thursday does not change the fact that the health care law is fundamentally flawed and hurts families and businesses. The Republican congressman from Washington state says the law has caused people to pay more for insurance and lose access to their preferred insurance plans.