Happy Sweet 16 ACA!
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) turns 16 today.
When former President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law on March 23, 2010, new pathways to health insurance for millions of Americans were created. Today, the Exchange celebrates the momentous shift in our health care coverage landscape and what it has meant for Washingtonians.
Overall, the ACA allowed all states to expand enrollment in Medicaid, insuring more than 21 million Americans last year. It also cut the number of Americans without health insurance. In Washington, the uninsured rate has dropped from 14% to 5% since its passage.
The ACA also changed how health insurance companies operate by:
Prohibiting insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage based on gender or pre-existing conditions.
Allowing coverage for young adults until age 26 on their parents’ health insurance policies.
Improving employer-sponsored health insurance by requiring them to cover more preventive services at no cost.
The Exchange is proud to be a part of the legacy of the Affordable Care Act. Our mission to radically improve how Washington residents access health and dental coverage was made possible by the ACA’s passage 16 years ago and we will keep moving forward to help all Washingtonians access more affordable, quality health care. Happy birthday, ACA — here’s to many more!