What was one of the main objectives of the Affordable Care Act?

One of the primary objectives of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was to expand access to health insurance for millions of Americans and to mandate essential health benefits that all insurance plans must cover. This was crucial in addressing the significant number of uninsured individuals in the United States, particularly those with low incomes and pre-existing health conditions, who often faced discrimination in accessing affordable health coverage before the ACA's implementation.

By stipulating that certain essential health benefits, including maternity care, emergency services, and preventive services, must be included in all insurance plans, the ACA aimed to ensure that individuals had access to comprehensive care that meets their needs. This not only helped to improve health outcomes but also sought to reduce the overall cost of healthcare by promoting preventive care and treatment that could mitigate more serious health issues down the line.

This focus on expanding access and establishing a baseline of essential benefits was a pivotal shift in health policy, designed to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all citizens.