Answer:
The Affordable Care Act
Step-by-step explanation:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal law that was enacted in 2010 in the United States. The law was designed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to Americans, especially those who were previously uninsured. Some key provisions of the ACA include:
Health insurance marketplace: The ACA established state and federal marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance plans.
Medicaid expansion: The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover individuals and families with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
Individual mandate: The ACA required most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.
Pre-existing conditions: The ACA prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing medical conditions.
Essential health benefits: The ACA required insurance plans to cover essential health benefits, such as preventive care, mental health services, and prescription drugs.
The ACA has had a significant impact on the American healthcare system. It has helped to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, improve access to healthcare services, and promote preventive care. However, the law has also been controversial, with some critics arguing that it has led to higher insurance premiums and reduced choice of providers.