What significant change did the Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduce?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced a significant transformation in the healthcare landscape by expanding Medicaid eligibility and creating health insurance marketplaces. This expansion aimed to increase access to health insurance for millions of Americans, particularly those with low to moderate incomes who might not qualify for traditional Medicaid or could not afford insurance.

The creation of health insurance marketplaces allowed individuals and families to shop for and compare insurance plans, facilitating access to coverage through subsidies for those who meet specific income criteria. These measures were designed to reduce the number of uninsured individuals and improve healthcare access, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced financial burdens associated with healthcare costs.

This change is pivotal because it directly addresses some of the barriers to healthcare access, aiming to cover a broader swath of the population and improve overall public health. The expansion of Medicaid and marketplaces is a hallmark of the ACA, distinguishing it from previous healthcare policies that lacked such comprehensive coverage strategies.