Many Arkansans are wondering what the Supreme Court's decision on health care means for them.
While many are still analyzing the ruling on affordable health care being considered a tax, decision makers in Arkansas weigh in on the topic.
“I am disappointed in the outcome but respect the decision reached by the Supreme Court,” said Senator John Boozman. “However, just because the Court found the law to be constitutional, does not mean it is good policy. The President rammed this law through Congress claiming it was not a tax increase but the Court ruled it Constitutional as a tax. This is all the more reason to step up our efforts to repeal the law and its accompanying tax increase, and put in place free market solutions that lower costs and allows a patient centered approach to making health care decisions.”
"Now the American people will have the largest tax increase ever," said State Senator Cecile Bledsoe.
Political figures and financial advisors say for Arkansans, we could be facing even more taxes.
"Basically we're all going to end up paying more for health insurance probably because we're going to end up covering those who didn't have healthcare insurance before, couldn't afford it," said financial advisor Mark Myers.
Myers says local hospital stocks are already raising, but President Obama's Affordable Health Care plan, set to take place in 2014, means bad news for insurance companies.
"All of us, it doesn't matter if we have a pre-existing condition, like cancer or something, and we're about to die, they still have to cover you," said Myers.
So what does it mean for Arkansas' Medicaid program?
State Senator Bledsoe says possible good news. The Supreme Court can't mandate it, so taxes may not be doubled in Arkansas.
"I think that gives us a little leeway in what we had thought would be between a 200 to 400 million dollar shortfall in our Medicaid program," said State Senator Bledsoe.
Arkansas lawmakers say it's still too soon to determine what will actually happen, but they say they're fighting to keep a tax burden from hurting Arkansans.
Those not opposed to the health care plan say this is an opportunity to give everyone in America a chance to have insurance and be healthy.