Obamacare, also known as Affordable Care Act (ACA), has revolutionized many lives. It has allowed individuals with preexisting conditions access to affordable coverage while simultaneously decreasing hospital visits and slowing health care cost inflation.
Affordable Care Act allows Americans of all income levels to sign up for health insurance, with subsidies made available for those making between 100-400% of the federal poverty line.
It requires everyone to have health insurance
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a healthcare law requiring most Americans to purchase health insurance. Supporters claim it will save money by increasing efficiency within the healthcare system and decreasing costs for those who already have coverage, as well as encouraging quick medical attention, thus decreasing emergency room visits.
The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions and eliminates annual and lifetime limits on coverage, providing millions with hope; yet many now fear its fate due to increasing premiums.
Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many could not afford health insurance. Now, people from all income levels can purchase coverage through the marketplace and receive subsidies to offset its cost. Furthermore, the ACA provides free screenings and preventive services which help people stay healthy and reduce overall medical costs.
It makes insurance more expensive
The Affordable Care Act was designed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of income. Consumer protections offered under its provisions include permitting people with preexisting conditions to buy private coverage without risk of denial, as well as prohibiting insurers from charging excessive premiums or denying coverage altogether. Furthermore, under age 26 adults may remain on their parent’s plans as financial assistance is offered for low-income families.
The Affordable Care Act may not always work as intended, but millions of Americans have gained access to health care through it. Unfortunately, its costs continue to escalate largely as a result of new taxes on medical devices and pharmaceuticals and savings from Medicare payments to wealthy individuals.
As many Americans are still unfamiliar with the Affordable Care Act and its effects, many misperceptions stem from intentional fabrications like the “death panels” myth that was recognized by Politifact as “Lie of the Year.” Other misconceptions arise due to misunderstanding the complicated nature of health insurance and coverage plans.
It makes insurance less affordable
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that every American purchase health insurance from Washington or face penalties. Unfortunately, this has led to skyrocketing premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for millions of people; including those who had affordable coverage prior to its introduction. As a result, many have decided to opt-out and depend on government subsidies instead for their health coverage needs.
Before the Affordable Care Act was implemented, insurance companies could exclude individuals with preexisting conditions from purchasing policies, leading many individuals either without coverage altogether or to buy policies which did not fully cover medical costs; as a result they often faced significant medical bills.
The Affordable Care Act’s guaranteed issue and community rating provisions protect people with preexisting conditions from discrimination; according to the KFF Health Tracking Poll, most Americans consider these provisions “very important.” Additionally, most Obamacare enrollees receive federal subsidies that lower monthly premiums and deductibles, providing essential assistance for those unable to afford health insurance on their own.
It destroys jobs
Obamacare (or Affordable Care Act), has recently made headlines due to “death panel” myths, Supreme Court challenges and GOP repeal votes; as a result it can be easy to overlook its true extent – as its scope spans almost every aspect of health care in America from insurance to delivery systems.
Many critics of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) assert that its implementation destroys jobs. As evidence, they cite an early study conducted before full details of this legislation were known, which revealed a loss of jobs as a result. But more recent research indicates that it has actually resulted in net employment gains over time.
The Affordable Care Act has also supported small businesses through tax credits. Furthermore, its provisions have reduced costs associated with drugs while simultaneously capping annual and lifetime limits; giving companies additional money to hire new workers and raise wages. Furthermore, its implementation has created new positions both within government healthcare services as well as creating jobs in this field.
