For Some, the Affordable Care Act Is a Lifesaver.
Eight years ago, on March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law, saying it enshrined “the core principle that everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their healthcare.” Whether you prefer to call it the ACA or Obamacare, here are 5 things to know on the law’s 8th anniversary.
1. Americans lean toward favoring the ACA
By a slight majority, more Americans support the law than oppose it, according to most polls. One, from the Kaiser Foundation, found that half of Americans support it, the same percentage as 8 years ago. The percentage hit a high of 54% last month. The number of those opposed has varied, from 35% at the time the law was signed, to a high of 54% in July, 2014, to 43% currently.
2. Americans are worried about future coverage
In related news, the Commonwealth Foundation said some of those with ACA coverage are worried they will be able to keep it. A survey at the end of last year found that 36% of Americans who have ACA health coverage and 27% of those with Medicaid are pessimistic they will be able to keep their future coverage.
Nearly half cite actions by the Trump administration or Congress to undermine the ACA as the main source of their worry.
Many aspects of the Affordable Care Act can be difficult to understand.