Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (2010)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 18001 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The ACA was enacted to expand access to affordable health insurance, improve quality of care, and reduce healthcare costs. It created health insurance marketplaces, expanded Medicaid, and prohibited insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Built upon the Social Security Act (Medicare and Medicaid provisions) and existing insurance regulations, but established the first nationwide mandate for health coverage and sweeping insurance reforms.