Based on oral arguments this morning, the latest Supreme Court showdown over Obamacare could lead to another narrow ruling determining the fate of the health-care program. Here are five important takeaways from the hearing in King v. Burwell, a challenge an IRS rule providing financial assistance to millions purchasing health insurance through federal-run exchanges offered in states that did not create their own online marketplaces….
(1) The vote will be close. The four justices from the court’s liberal wing appear on board with the Obama administration’s argument that all exchanges — whether state or federal — can offer subsidies. Justice Anthony Kennedy and Chief Justice John Roberts are still potential swing votes. Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito seem to sympathize with the plaintiffs’ argument that the text of the Affordable Care Act only authorizes subsidies in state-run exchanges….