Malloy: Health care decision could be costly

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that President Barack Obama's health care overhaul is unconstitutional, it could prove costly to the state of Connecticut.

The Democratic governor said Tuesday that such a ruling would have "major implications" for the state and potentially could cost $100 million, affecting about 500,000 residents.

Malloy said the 500,000 includes those who rely on certain Medicaid programs, benefit from subsidies to small business employers, and would use new health care exchanges to obtain insurance coverage. Both people currently covered by certain programs, as well as those expected to be covered by 2014, are included in the 500,000 estimate.

The ruling could come Thursday.

Malloy said his administration is mindful of the impending decision and has been "looking at our options."