Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington and Idaho are among the 26 states whose objections to federal health care reform will be considered at the nation's highest court. The Supreme Court Monday agreed to hear a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the so-called individual mandate in President Obama's health care overhaul.

The individual mandate requires all Americans to have health insurance that meets federal standards or pay a penalty. It's set to take effect in 2014.

But Republican governors and attorneys general say the provision is an overreach of federal power.

In Idaho, Governor Butch Otter issued an executive order blocking state agencies from implementing the law, though he's granted waivers that allow Idaho to receive some federal funding tied to health care reform.

Meanwhile, Washington attorney general and Republican candidate for governor Rob McKenna also decided to join the multi-state lawsuit, despite Democratic governor Chris Gregoire's support for the law.

The nine justices will consider whether the individual mandate can be overturned without tossing out the entire law.

A spokesman for Rob McKenna says that's a point where the Washington attorney general differs from the rest of the states on the challenge. McKenna believes are are parts of the law that are beneficial and should be upheld.

On the Web:

Affordable Care Act:

http://www.healthcare.gov/law/index.html

Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network

Copyright 2012 N3. To see more, visit http://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/.