
Affordable Care Act provisions
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. It required most Americans to have health insurance or face a penalty, and expanded Medicaid to cover more low-income individuals. The ACA also set standards for health plans, such as covering preventive services without extra costs, and prohibited insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions. It established health insurance marketplaces where people can compare and purchase plans, often with financial assistance. Overall, the ACA sought to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase coverage options for Americans.