Understanding the Affordable Care Act

1 Min Read

Membership Moves Medicine™

  • Thousands of free CME opportunities to fulfill state requirements
  • A powerful voice fighting for you during uncertain times
  • Research, resources, events and more from the largest physician organization

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.

FEATURED STORIES

Doctor holds a comforting hand

Exempting physicians from H-1B visa fee protects patients

| 5 Min Read
Paper with a question mark next to a stethoscope

NPs appeal federal court ruling on who can say, “I’m a doctor”

| 5 Min Read
PRP physician compensation report image (Index)

Physician Practice Benchmark Survey 2024: Physician Compensation

Mar 19, 2026
An open vitamin capsule spills out foods, fruits

What doctors need to know about healthy diet patterns

| 4 Min Read