(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller says the state will abide by the Affordable Care Act following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the law Thursday.

Indiana was one of 26 states to join in the 2010 lawsuit, Florida v. HHS, challenging the law’s constitutionality. Zoeller said no tax dollars were spent on outside lawyers, no legal fees were paid, and those within his office working on the case spent nothing beyond the attorney general’s annual budget.

With the nation’s top legal body allowing the ACA to stand, Zoeller does not regret Indiana joining the challenge.

“Congress imposed an unprecedented mandate on individuals to buy a commercial health insurance product or face a penalty. Bringing a legal challenge was therefore the only appropriate way for the states to raise this constitutional question to the Supreme Court to decide with finality, and it was important and worthwhile for Indiana to join in this challenge,” Zoeller said.

The attorney general is encouraging civility and respect for the court’s decision. The office is studying the law’s impact on Indiana Medicaid and the rights of patients.

“My office’s legal advice will be provided to state agencies and federal and state policymakers so they may decide how best to address specific circumstances families face,” said Zoeller.

Zoeller noted that the Supreme Court heard six hours of oral arguments about the health care law last March. It was the longest oral argument duration before the court in 46 years.

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Lawmakers' Takes On Supreme Court Decision