What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, is primarily a health care reform law designed to achieve two main goals: expanding insurance coverage and reducing health care costs for individuals and families. This legislation introduced a variety of measures, including the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, the expansion of Medicaid, and mandates for insurance coverage that enhance consumer protections.

The ACA focuses on making health insurance more accessible to a broader segment of the population, including those with pre-existing conditions. It also aims to lower health care costs through various provisions, such as incentivizing preventive care and implementing regulations to control insurance premiums.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of the ACA. They describe different initiatives or programs that are not the primary focus of this landmark health care legislation. Understanding this context helps clarify the significance of the ACA in the landscape of American health care reform.