Fifteen years of the Affordable Care Act

Hannah Bietz
Affordable Care Act
Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has had a significant impact on the American healthcare system since its enactment 15 years ago. The law aimed to expand health insurance coverage and make healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans. Data shows that the uninsured rate dropped dramatically after the ACA was implemented.

States that expanded Medicaid coverage under the law saw substantial increases in enrollment, providing low-income individuals with access to healthcare. While healthcare spending continues to rise, the rate of increase slowed in the years following the ACA’s passage. The law also mandated coverage for preventive services without cost-sharing, leading to an increase in the use of screenings and immunizations.

The creation of health insurance marketplaces allowed individuals to compare and purchase plans, with subsidies making insurance more affordable for many. Improvements in health outcomes, such as early disease detection and better management of chronic conditions, have been attributed to increased access to healthcare services and preventive care. Despite facing legal challenges and political opposition, the ACA remains a pivotal moment in U.S. health policy.

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As the law turns 15, experts and policymakers are reflecting on its impact and discussing future health reform efforts.

Impact of the ACA

A special conference will be held on March 25 to commemorate the ACA’s anniversary.

The event will feature keynote remarks from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and video remarks from former President Barack Obama. Panels will debate the changes still needed in the U.S. health system and strategies for achieving them. However, the ACA and its provisions, including Medicaid expansion, are currently at risk under the Republican-controlled Congress.

The House has passed a budget resolution that would cut both Medicaid and the ACA, potentially rolling back progress made in healthcare access and affordability. If the enhanced premium tax credits, which have helped millions of Americans obtain affordable coverage, are not extended, many people may lose their insurance or face higher prices. Research suggests that over five million Americans, particularly young adults, Black and Latino enrollees, and those with chronic conditions, could become uninsured.

Republicans are considering using the money saved from cutting healthcare under the ACA and Medicaid expansion to extend tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations. This has raised concerns about prioritizing tax cuts for the rich over healthcare access for working-class families. Advocates argue that it is crucial to protect the gains made in healthcare access and equity under the ACA.

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They call for action to stop Republican attacks on the law and its provisions, ensuring that progress in making healthcare more affordable and accessible is not lost.

Photo by; National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Hannah is a news contributor to SelfEmployed. She writes on current events, trending topics, and tips for our entrepreneurial audience.