Final answer:
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is a significant healthcare reform law signed by President Obama aimed at expanding coverage and making healthcare more accessible. It faced considerable opposition but has remained largely intact and gained majority approval over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In March of 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), known as Obamacare. This legislation was a major overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system to bring the country closer to universal coverage.
The PPACA aimed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, and it included provisions such as the expansion of Medicaid coverage, the creation of health insurance marketplaces, and mandates for individuals to obtain health insurance and for employers to offer it. Although it faced significant opposition and challenges, including claims of unconstitutionality and concerns about cost, the law has remained largely intact after two Supreme Court decisions.
The enactment of the PPACA was a highly significant moment in U.S. healthcare policy and political history. Starting in October 2013, the government began to phase in the law, addressing various aspects such as insurance reforms, healthcare coverage, and cost containment.
Despite contentious debates and public opinion that have fluctuated over time, as of March 2022, Obamacare had gained a majority approval of 55%. This indicates a shift in public perception towards a more positive view of the healthcare reform implemented under President Obama's administration.