Final answer:
The PPACA, also known as Obamacare, aimed to bring the US closer to universal coverage and has expanded access to health care. It represents a significant step towards healthcare reform but also faces criticism for increasing premiums and regulatory burdens. The debate on its effectiveness against international health goals continues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), often referred to as Obamacare, has been instrumental in shaping the US health care system. Signed into law in March of 2010, the PPACA aimed to bring the United States closer to universal coverage. One of the best parts of the PPACA is its extension of health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, allowing for broader access to medical care and reducing the personal bankruptcies due to medical expenses. Critics, however, argue that the PPACA has led to increased insurance premiums and has burdened businesses with higher costs and regulatory complexities.
Comparing the United States healthcare system with the World Health Organization's Millennium Development Goals reveals a complex picture. While the PPACA has advanced the goal of affordable health care, the US still faces challenges in areas such as maternal health and child mortality, where some other nations with universal health care perform better.
In conclusion, while the PPACA has been a substantial step towards healthcare reform, embodying both achievements and areas for improvement, it represents a critical approach to making health care more accessible and affordable for Americans. The debate over its efficacy and the system's alignment with international health goals continues to evoke varied perspectives.