What did the ACA do to increase insurance coverage in the United States?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to increase insurance coverage in the United States primarily through the expansion of Medicaid. This expansion allowed states to expand their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income individuals and families who were previously ineligible. By raising the income eligibility threshold and simplifying enrollment processes, the ACA enabled millions of additional people to gain access to healthcare services.

This initiative was significant because it targeted one of the most vulnerable populations who often faced barriers in obtaining insurance. The ACA also included provisions for health insurance marketplaces, tax credits, and subsidies to help individuals purchase insurance, but the expansion of Medicaid is a key highlight in terms of directly increasing coverage for low-income groups.