WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul is on the way to its ultimate jury: families, doctors, business people and state officials who’ll have to grapple with confusing details while striving to fulfill its promise.

In a momentous ruling touching virtually every American, the Supreme Court narrowly upheld President Barack Obama’s historic health care reform legislation Thursday – including the controversial individual mandate that all Americans with means purchase health insurance – with the unlikely help of conservative Chief Justice John Roberts.

The 5-4 decision meant the huge overhaul, still taking effect, could proceed and pick up momentum over the next several years, with an impact on the way that countless Americans receive and pay for their personal medical care.