California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has responded to Friday's ruling by asking the judge to clarify that the decision does not change the status quo as the case works its way through the legal system, and to either issue a stay on the case or take action that allows the ruling to be appealed.

Between the lines: This is a complicated legal action that's aimed at making sure the decision doesn't take effect while the case plays out, which would throw the health care system into turmoil beginning Jan. 1.