The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly increased health insurance coverage and reduced disparities in access across the U.S. The uninsured rate dropped from 16% in 2010 to just over 9% by 2015, but gains were later threatened by actions during the Trump administration. The Biden-Harris administration revived these gains through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, further reducing the uninsured rate to below 8% by 2023. These efforts particularly benefited groups historically more likely to be uninsured, such as Blacks, Latinos, American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders, leading to improved access to care. Click here for article.
Increased Coverage and Reduced Disparities: The ACA reduced the uninsured rate from 16% in 2010 to just over 9% by 2015, and to below 8% by 2023, with significant gains for historically uninsured groups.
Biden-Harris Administration Efforts: Expanded coverage through ARPA and the Inflation Reduction Act, along with extensive outreach and education initiatives, contributed to record enrollment and reduced disparities.
Focus on Equity and Accessibility: Initiatives included special enrollment periods, extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, and enhanced Navigator programs targeting underserved populations.
Ongoing Challenges and Initiatives: Despite progress, disparities in health outcomes persist, prompting further efforts to address social determinants of health and improve maternal and infant health care.
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