Affordable Care Act - GovBudget.com

Recent ACA News:

Fri, Dec 6, 2024:
With or without ACA repeal, ACA and Medicaid cuts are looming – KFF
Dems propose deal to GOP extending ACA subsidies by a year – WashPost
“Without a permanent extension, CBO estimates, the number of uninsured people will rise by 2.2 million in 2026, by 3.7 million in 2027, and by 3.8 million, on average, in each year over the 2026-2034 period,” Phillip L. Swagel, the CBO’s director, wrote to lawmakers.

Thurs, Dec 5, 2024: The Effects of Not Extending the Expanded Premium Tax Credits for the Number of Uninsured People and the Growth of Premiums – CBO

Fri, Nov 22, 2024: How much more would people pay in premiums if the ACA’s enhanced subsidies expired? – KFF

Thurs, Nov 14, 2024:
With ACA subsidies set to expire in 2025, millions stand to lose health insurance – CBS

Mon, May 13, 2024: Former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s claim that “Obamacare massively increased the cost of health care in Ameria” earns 3 pinnochios from Fact Checker.

Wed, Mar. 13, 2024: The Hill reported Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell “threw cold water over the long-held Republican aim of repealing the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), saying this week that fight is ‘largely over.’” Former President Trump has repeatedly called for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act without offering an alternative to enable Americans with preexisting conditions and without employer coverage to purchase health insurance.

Wed, Jan. 24, 2024: CNN reports that “a record 21.3 million Americans flocked to Affordable Care Act coverage for 2024, further cementing the law’s place in the nation’s health care landscape.”

Affordable Care Act Overview:

Premium Subsidies for Low- and Middle-Income Americans: For individuals and families above the Medicaid threshold and up to 400% of poverty, federal income-based subsidies are provided for premiums and cost-sharing. Applies to citizens and legal immigrants.
Private Sector Health Insurance – Competitive Marketplace: States set-up health care “Exchanges” where people purchase private health insurance (with subsidies if they are low income); and a Federal health insurance exchange for States that do not establish their own.
No Discrimination against Preexisting conditions: Prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums due to preexisting conditions.
No Lifetime Limits on Benefits: To protect people with chronic and acute conditions, insurance plans are prohibited from capping lifetime benefits.
Medicaid Expansion for Low-Income Americans: Individuals and families below 133% of poverty ($33,534 for a family of 4) are entitled to Medicaid health coverage, which charges no premiums. Available in States that have accepted the federally-funded Medicaid expansion. Applies to citizens and legal immigrants.
Essential Health Benefits: requires non-grandfathered health plans in the individual and small group markets to cover essential health benefits, which include items and services in the following ten benefit categories: (1) ambulatory patient services; (2) emergency services; (3) hospitalization; (4) maternity and newborn care; (5) mental health and substance use disorder services including behavioral health treatment; (6) prescription drugs; (7) rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; (8) laboratory services; (9) preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; and (10) pediatric services.
Small Employers (25 or fewer) entitled to a tax credit up to 50% of employer’s contribution.
Children up to Age 26: can remain on their parents’ plans.
CRS: Overview of the ACA Medicaid Expansion (Jun 2021)
CRS: Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to the Affordable Care Act (Jun 2021)
CRS: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Resources for Frequently Asked Questions
CBO: Affordable Care Act Page