What is the primary purpose of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The primary purpose of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to improve access, affordability, and quality of healthcare. The ACA was enacted in 2010 with the intention of expanding healthcare coverage, particularly to those who were previously uninsured or underinsured. It aimed to make health insurance more affordable through various measures such as subsidies for private insurance, the expansion of Medicaid, and the establishment of health insurance marketplaces.

The law also sought to improve the quality of healthcare by implementing regulations on insurance companies, such as prohibiting the denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26. Additionally, the ACA introduced various programs aimed at enhancing the quality of care delivered and incentivizing preventive services.

While the ACA may influence employment opportunities in healthcare and has implications for government spending, its principal focus is on enhancing access to healthcare services, making healthcare more affordable for individuals and families, and ensuring the quality of care provided to patients.