Final answer:
The primary reason 50 million Americans lacked health insurance before the Affordable Care Act was due to skyrocketing healthcare costs, limited availability of employer-provided insurance, and denial of coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions. The ACA addressed these issues by expanding eligibility for programs like Medicaid and guaranteeing coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reason nearly 50 million Americans lacked health insurance before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a combination of skyrocketing healthcare costs, limited availability of employer-provided insurance, and denial of coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions. These factors made it difficult for many people to afford or qualify for insurance.
The ACA, also known as Obamacare, addressed these issues by expanding eligibility for programs like Medicaid, guaranteeing coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, and establishing regulations to ensure that insurance funds are used for medical care. It also included an individual mandate requiring everyone to have insurance or pay a penalty.
Since the ACA's implementation, millions of Americans have gained coverage, and the percentage of uninsured individuals has significantly decreased. However, the issue of healthcare coverage remains a top concern for people seeking insurance today.