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The Supreme Court's monumental decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, President Obama's health care overhaul, left some people crying tears of joy and others sighing in fear for their future as it affects nearly every American.

Some parts of the law have proven popular, but the insurance mandate is widely disliked. More than 8 in 10 Americans feel that the government should not have the right to require everyone to buy health insurance.

What's next?

Starting in 2014, almost everyone will be required to be insured or pay a penalty. There are subsidies to help people who can't afford coverage. Most employers will face penalties if they don't offer coverage for their workers. Newly created insurance markets will make it easier for individuals and small businesses to buy affordable coverage. And Medicaid will be expanded to cover more low-income people.

Insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to people with medical problems or charging those people more. They won't be able to charge women more, either. During the transition to 2014, a special program for people with pre-existing health problems helps these people get coverage.

What the verdict means to an American Citizen?

The law tells almost everyone they must have health coverage and guarantees it will be available even if you are already ill or need hugely expensive care. It helps lots of people, not just the poor but many high income families. And it requires insurers to provide certain basic benefits - like free preventive care.

Political mathamatics

The court upheld Obama's signature legislative achievement. Final word from the court amplifies the most polarizing issue of his re-election campaign against Republican Mitt Romney.
However, Romney has promised to repeal the law if he is elected.

Ground reality

The health care law will keep taking effect. Overall, more than 9 in 10 eligible Americans will be covered.
Some parts are already in effect: Young adults can stay on their parents' insurance up to age 26. Insurers can't deny coverage to children with health problems. Limits on how much policies will pay out to each person over a lifetime are eliminated. Co-payments for preventive care for all ages have been eliminated.

Many will be left uncovered and why?

An estimated 26 million people will remain without coverage once the law is fully implemented. They include including illegal immigrants, people who don't sign up and those who can't afford it even with the subsidies. That number could be higher, depending on whether any states refuse the Medicaid expansion.