What is one primary focus of the Affordable Care Act in eligibility?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) primarily focuses on expanding healthcare access and increasing Medicaid eligibility, which is integral to its mission of improving health insurance coverage for a broader segment of the population. By expanding Medicaid, the ACA allows more low-income individuals and families to qualify for health coverage, thereby reducing the percentage of uninsured Americans. This expansion is a key strategy for addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to necessary medical services and preventive care.

The ACA also introduced health insurance marketplaces where individuals can purchase coverage with the aid of subsidies based on their income. These initiatives collectively aim to improve the overall accessibility of healthcare in the United States, making it more affordable for a larger number of people. This focus on expanding eligibility is crucial for fostering health equity and addressing the needs of those who previously had limited access to health insurance.