The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law passed in the United States in 2010. The law aimed to increase the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services for Americans by making several changes to the healthcare system.
One of the key provisions of the ACA is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to cover more low-income individuals and families. It also created health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges, where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance plans with tax credits and subsidies based on their income. The law also established a set of essential health benefits that insurance plans must cover, including preventive care, mental health services, and prescription drugs.
The ACA also includes several consumer protections, such as prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. It also allows young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plan until age 26.
The law has been controversial and faced legal challenges since its inception, with opponents arguing that it represents government overreach and infringes on individual liberties. However, supporters argue that the ACA has led to significant improvements in healthcare coverage and access, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations.
