A DECADE OF THE ACA: THE PROGRESS, OBSTACLES, AND SUCCESSES

Abstract

Tens of millions of Americans struggled with a variety of health care issues before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23, 2010, and was fully implemented on January 1, 2014.  Effects were seen across the healthcare industry, from uninsured rates to Medicare and Medicaid, to insurer participation and competition, premiums, and cost-sharing.  The ACA's intent was to guarantee access to affordable health insurance coverage.  Before the signing of the ACA, people could be refused health insurance based on preexisting conditions, and insurers could deny payment for services for even the smallest of errors.  There were even struggles for those that were insured.  Preventative services were often not covered and expensive, and insurer's annual and lifetime out-of-pocket limits were an ever-present concern for those who were chronically ill.