Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a federal law passed in 2010. The law helps make health insurance more accessible and affordable for Americans.

What the ACA Does

• Helps you get coverage. You can enroll in health insurance through state or federal marketplaces, often with financial help if you qualify.
• Protects essential benefits. Insurance plans can’t deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. They also can’t have annual or lifetime limits.
• Covers what you need. All plans must include essential health benefits, and many preventive services are covered at no additional cost.
• Expanded Medicaid. In some states. In states that expanded Medicaid, low-income individuals and families may qualify for Medicaid.

Why It Matters

The ACA has helped millions of Americans get health insurance and reduce the risk of high medical costs. Even if open enrollment is over, certain life changes, such as moving, getting married, having a child, or losing coverage, may let you sign up through a Special Enrollment Period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also called Obamacare, is a healthcare reform law designed to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for Americans. It created the Health Insurance Marketplace and expanded important protections for consumers.

Can I get health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes. Marketplace health insurance plans must cover pre-existing medical conditions. An insurer cannot deny you Marketplace coverage, charge you more, or refuse to cover essential health benefits because of a condition you had before your coverage began.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in Marketplace health insurance outside of the annual Open Enrollment period after certain qualifying life events. These can include losing qualifying health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a child, or certain moves.

Depending on the qualifying event, you generally have 60 days before or 60 days after the event to enroll in a Marketplace plan.

Does the ACA provide financial assistance for health insurance?

Yes. Eligible individuals and families may qualify for a Premium Tax Credit that reduces the monthly cost of Marketplace health insurance. Eligibility depends on factors including household income, household size, tax filing status, and whether you have access to other qualifying health coverage.

For 2026, Premium Tax Credit eligibility generally applies to households with income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, subject to other eligibility requirements.

ACA Coverage by the Numbers

The ACA Marketplace continues to provide health coverage to millions of Americans. During the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, 23.1 million consumers nationwide selected or were automatically re-enrolled in Marketplace coverage. In Florida alone, 4,538,772 consumers selected Marketplace plans for 2026.

Sources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — 2026 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Report

HealthCare.gov — Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

HealthCare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Premium Tax Credit Eligibility