Access to Care

Understanding the Affordable Care Act

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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive reform law, enacted in 2010, that increases health insurance coverage for the uninsured and implements reforms to the health insurance market. This includes many provisions that are consistent with AMA policy and holds the potential for a better health care system. The ACA represents a tremendous step forward on the path toward meaningful health system reform, and additional steps will follow.

Under the Affordable Care Act, patients who may have been uninsured due to preexisting conditions or limited finances can secure affordable health plans through the health insurance marketplace in their state. The AMA is committed to providing information for physicians to help their patients get coverage, along with securing changes to improve the law moving forward.

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