What was the primary purpose of the Affordable Care Act enacted in 2010?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, was primarily designed to eliminate health insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. This significant reform aimed to ensure that individuals with existing health issues could not be denied coverage or charged higher premiums solely based on their medical history. By prohibiting such discrimination, the ACA sought to expand access to healthcare and protect vulnerable populations, ensuring that everyone could obtain necessary health insurance coverage regardless of their health status.

While the act includes various provisions such as expanding Medicaid, creating health insurance marketplaces, and promoting preventive care, its fundamental goal was to provide equitable healthcare access for all citizens. By addressing the issue of pre-existing conditions, the ACA aimed to create a more inclusive health insurance system, thus improving overall public health outcomes.