What major program was established in 2014 as part of the ACA?

The establishment of the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2014 is a significant aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This program was created to provide individuals and families with a centralized platform to shop for, compare, and enroll in health insurance plans. The Marketplace aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of health insurance by offering a variety of plans with different coverage options and prices, all in one place.

Through the Marketplace, consumers can receive information about the different plans available, determine their eligibility for premium subsidies, and enroll in a plan that best fits their health care needs and budget. This initiative has played a crucial role in increasing health coverage among Americans, especially for those who previously faced barriers to obtaining insurance.

While the Health Insurance Exchange is often used interchangeably with the Health Insurance Marketplace, it is technically a part of the broader Marketplace concept, which encompasses various components related to shopping for and purchasing health coverage. Programs like the Medicaid Waiver are distinct from the central function of the Marketplace, which focuses primarily on private insurance options, and the National Health Service refers to an entirely different health care system not tied to the ACA.