What’s the Affordable Care Act?

On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act, or as it was originally called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), was signed into law. The various federal requirements under this law are commonly referred to as “national health care reform” or the ACA. 

The goals of national health care reform include: 

• Extending health coverage to those without insurance
• Protecting those with insurance and maintaining their rights
  
• Ensuring a basic set of benefits through various health coverage options (such as preventive care services or essential health benefits)
• Addressing issues with health care costs and making health insurance more affordable