Reflecting on how the Affordable Care Act Changed Health Coverage (2024)

Reflecting on how the Affordable Care Act Changed Health Coverage (1)

Before the passage of the Affordable Care Act, getting adequate and reliable health coverage was a challenge for millions of Americans.

Many plans didn’t allow you to keep children on your health plan after they graduated from college, pre-existing conditions like heart disease and cancer often weren’t covered when you switched to new coverage, and many plans only covered a limited amount for essential benefits, leading to significant out-of-pocket costs. And millions of Americans didn’t have health coverage at all.

Since 2010, the ACA has made health coverage more accessible and affordable for many Americans. Thanks to the ACA,

  • Your children can stay on your health plan until they turn 26.
  • Health plans can’t deny you coverage because you have a pre-existing condition.
  • Dollar limits for essential health benefits have been banned.
  • You can get preventive care without having to pay out of pocket.

And more importantly, the ACA ensures all Americans have access to health coverage. If you lose the health coverage from your employer – for instance, if you lose your job – or if your employer doesn’t offer a health plan, you can sign up for health coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Through the marketplace, you can find and compare coverage options, so you can decide which is best for you. And you may qualify for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, as well as for reductions in the amount you pay for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. By making these plans available and affordable, the marketplace has reduced the number of uninsured by about 80 percent over the last dozen years. You can apply for marketplace coverage by visiting www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

At the Employee Benefits Security Administration, we also have some great resources available to help you make the most of your health benefits. You can learn more about the ACA on our website, and read about 10 ways to make your health benefits work for you, or speak to a benefits advisor by visiting https://askebsa.dol.gov or calling 1-866-444-3272.

Ali Khawar is acting assistant secretary for the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Reflecting on how the Affordable Care Act Changed Health Coverage (2024)

FAQs

How did the Affordable Care Act changed healthcare? ›

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has left a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in the United States. Since its implementation, the ACA has expanded access to healthcare coverage, protected consumers, controlled costs, and improved the quality of care.

How did the Affordable Care Act affect insurance? ›

If you get sick, an insurance company cannot cancel your policy. Health insurance companies cannot turn down your application because of your health status. Women can no longer be charged more for insurance than men. In fact, insurance rates cannot be based on gender or gender identity at all.

How did the Affordable Care Act impact healthcare in this country? ›

The law will result in health insurance coverage for about 94% of the American population, reducing the uninsured by 31 million people, and increasing Medicaid enrollment by 15 million beneficiaries.

How did the Affordable Care Act affect health insurance coverage among the working poor? ›

How did the Affordable Care Act affect health insurance coverage among the working poor? It expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income workers, but numerous states opted out of this expansion and therefore there are still millions who lack insurance.

How has the Affordable Care Act improved or worsened the US healthcare system? ›

In sum, the ACA has significantly expanded coverage for individuals with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty level in states that have expanded Medicaid, but many individuals remain uninsured in states that have not expanded Medicaid, while many who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage continue to have ...

In which 3 ways did the Affordable Care Act affect individuals? ›

Final answer: The Affordable Care Act affected individuals by requiring all to have health insurance, ensuring coverage regardless of health status, and prohibiting gender-based pricing disparities in healthcare.

What are the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act? ›

Some pros of Obamacare include more affordable health insurance and coverage for preexisting health conditions, while some cons include people having to pay higher premiums. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010.

What is the Affordable Care Act summary? ›

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive reform law, enacted in 2010, that increases health insurance coverage for the uninsured and implements reforms to the health insurance market. This includes many provisions that are consistent with AMA policy and holds the potential for a better health care system.

What are the major problems with the Affordable Care Act? ›

It was also known that consumers would face a very different health insurance world under the ACA, with some people seeing their premiums go down and some seeing them go up, and the majority of Americans seeing higher deductibles, higher copays, and a smaller pool of providers.

How has the ACA impacted health outcomes? ›

Extensive research finds that people who gained coverage through the expansion have grown healthier and more financially secure, while long-standing racial inequities in health outcomes, coverage, and access to care have been reduced.

Do you think the Affordable Care Act has been successful? ›

The ACA continues to be a successful, popular, and important federal program to millions of people and their families. As we celebrate the success of this most recent enrollment effort, HHS will double down on the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to increase access to quality care and lower costs.”

How does the Affordable Care Act help the uninsured? ›

Medi-Cal assistance: Starting in 2014, California expanded Medicaid (also known as Medi-Cal) to cover people under age 65, including people with disabilities or with low income. The coverage is part of the Affordable Care Act and is free for those who qualify.

How did the Affordable Care Act change healthcare? ›

Key features of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are access to health care through expanded coverage, improved quality and efficiency and lower health care costs, and consumer protections. Incremental reforms have been made to the ACA since it was passed in 2010.

What has been the result of the Affordable Care Act? ›

Since its enactment on March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act has led to an historic advancement of health equity in the United States. This landmark law improved the health of all Americans, including women and families, kids, older adults, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ and communities of color.

Which was an effect of the Affordable Care Act? ›

Expanding Medicaid coverage and establishing state marketplaces has decreased the number of uninsured Americans and substantially improved access to care for those who gained coverage.

How did the Affordable Care Act affect hospitals? ›

Overall, hospitals in Medicaid expansion states saw increased Medicaid discharges, increased Medicaid revenue, and decreased cost of care for the poor, while hospitals in non-expansion states saw a very small increase in Medicaid discharges, a decline in Medicaid revenue, and growth in cost of care to the poor.

How has the Affordable Care Act changed the demand for healthcare workers? ›

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law in 2010, extends health insurance to about 25 million Americans, increasing the demand for health care services. The growth in health care use under the ACA will spur an increase in demand for most health occupations, but will primarily affect entry-level jobs.

How did the Affordable Care Act change health care in the United States quizlet? ›

To increase access to affordable health insurance for the millions of Americans without coverage and make health insurance more affordable for those already covered. Restructures the private health insurance market. Sets minimum standards for health coverage.

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