Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act

Updated: 07 January 2025

What Does Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act Mean?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. It is also referred to as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.

Insuranceopedia Explains Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act

The term “Obamacare” was initially used by opponents but was later reappropriated by supporters and eventually embraced by the President himself. Along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act amendment, the ACA represents one of the most significant regulatory overhauls and expansions of coverage in the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

The first part of this comprehensive healthcare reform law was enacted on March 23, 2010, by President Barack Obama. The law was subsequently amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act on March 30, 2010.

The ACA introduces new rights and protections that make health coverage and its subsidies fairer and easier to understand. It expands the affordability, quality, and availability of both private and public health insurance for Americans. Additionally, the law expands the Medicaid program to provide coverage for more individuals with low incomes.

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