The Affordable Care Act
In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became federal law. It initiated the most significant changes in the U.S. health care system since the establishment of Medicare in 1965. Key features of the law include:
- Adds free preventive care: Health insurance plans must cover lifesaving preventive services at no additional cost to you. See Coverage to Care.
- Extends coverage for young adults: Parents can keep their children covered under their health insurance until they reach age 26.
- Bans lifetime limits: Health plans can no longer place lifetime dollar limits on the benefits you receive.
- Ends denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions: Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied insurance.
- Establishes a set of Essential Health Benefits that insurance plans must offer.