Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Patient Protection Act, was passed on March 23, 2010. The healthcare reform bill was signed to ensure that reasonably priced health insurance options are available to U.S. citizens. Health insurance options are regulated by a series of guidelines that aid in the development of healthcare programs on a federal level as well as federal subsidies.
Within the bill, there are a series of modifications that insurers have to apply. For example:
New regulations and guidelines are integrated into the Affordable Care Act for health insurers.
Whether or not applicants have pre-existing conditions, all applicants must be insured.
Fixed rates for all applicants, regardless of pre-existing conditions, age, or gender.
Additionally, a Health Care Marketplace is provided by the Affordable Care Act to ensure that families or small businesses have shopping options for insurance policies. The Marketplace must provide all the requirements set forth by the Affordable Healthcare Act, which is another benefit for shoppers.
The bill stipulates that regardless of health conditions, race, sex, or age, all states United States citizens are required to purchase healthcare insurance if they do not have one already. If United States citizens do not purchase health insurance, they are required to pay penalty of tax.