I know it can feel like a different era sometimes. But fifteen years ago, I signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Now nearly 50 million people have received health care through the ACA.
With everything going on right now, it’s easy to feel like regular folks can’t make a… pic.twitter.com/TsEl9SfKDy
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 23, 2025
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.
Starting now: "ACA@15: Lessons for Health Reform" feat. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, video remarks from President Obama, and expert panels on the Affordable Care Act's successes and its future.https://t.co/AQYzuQ692v
— The Century Foundation (@TCFdotorg) March 25, 2025
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.
Join us for "ACA@15: Lessons for Health Reform" on Tuesday, March 25! Livestream starts at 1:55 PM ET: https://t.co/GiNNRDHKaD
The event will feature a keynote from @SpeakerPelosi, video remarks from @BarackObama, and insights from key leaders behind the Affordable Care Act. pic.twitter.com/oXfd73ws5K
— The Century Foundation (@TCFdotorg) March 24, 2025
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.
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 #ACA "means people can get contraceptive care that they need without having to pay out of pocket, which we know is a huge barrier for women of color."
Hear more from our Sr. Manager of Public Policy Monica Edwards for @WordInBlack on the ACA’s impact:https://t.co/FJZWywja1Y
— Power to Decide (@powertodecide) March 24, 2025
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.
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