Obamacare

Obamacare (officially known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) is a United States federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is a significant overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, aiming to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage, and reduce the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government.

Overview

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a number of provisions designed to increase access to healthcare, improve quality, and lower costs. These include the creation of health insurance marketplaces, expansion of Medicaid, prohibition of denial of coverage and claim due to pre-existing conditions, and the requirement for individuals to have health insurance, among others.

Provisions

The ACA includes numerous provisions that took effect over a matter of years. Some of the most notable provisions include the requirement for most individuals to have health insurance or pay a penalty (known as the "individual mandate"), the expansion of Medicaid coverage to include individuals and families with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level, and the creation of health insurance marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance.

Impact

The ACA has had a significant impact on the U.S. healthcare system. It has led to a significant reduction in the number of uninsured Americans, improved quality of care, and slowed the growth of healthcare costs. However, it has also been the subject of political controversy and legal challenges.

Criticism and controversy

The ACA has been the subject of numerous political debates and legal challenges. Critics argue that it is an overreach of federal power, that it increases healthcare costs, and that it interferes with the doctor-patient relationship. Supporters argue that it has improved access to healthcare, improved the quality of care, and slowed the growth of healthcare costs.

See also

• Healthcare reform in the United States
• Healthcare in the United States
• Health insurance in the United States

Obamacare Resources
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