In a monumetal decision, the Supreme Court decided Thursday to uphold the mandate of President Obama's Affordable Care Act.

The mandate requires all Americans to acquire health insurance. This will allow federal and state officals to implement the law for citizens.

The close decision was five to four, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing the majority decision.

The decision does not, however, expand Medicaid coverage for certain Americans.

Medicaid is a joint federal-state funded program which provides health care to poor Americans. The Affordable Care Act would have opened up Medicaid to all people with incomes under 138 percent of the federal poverty line.

The court agreed with several states and stated the expansion of Medicaid would place a burden on the states which none could afford.

The Supreme Court decision will likely start lawmakers on the process to repeal the Affordable Care Act.