
Affordable Care Act implementation
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), implemented in 2010, aimed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable in the U.S. It established health insurance marketplaces where individuals could compare plans and receive subsidies based on their income. The law required insurers to cover pre-existing conditions and expanded Medicaid for low-income individuals. Additionally, it mandated that most Americans have health insurance or pay a penalty. By promoting preventive care and focusing on wellness, the ACA sought to reduce uninsured rates and lower overall healthcare costs while improving the quality of care for millions of Americans.