Reducing Disparities In Health Care Coverage And Access Under The ACA

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.