Which population is primarily targeted by the ACA for expanded health insurance coverage?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was specifically designed to address significant gaps in health insurance coverage, with a strong emphasis on supporting uninsured and low-income individuals. This population is particularly vulnerable, as they often face barriers to accessing adequate health care due to financial constraints.

The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility in many states, allowing more low-income individuals and families to gain coverage. Additionally, it established health insurance marketplaces where low-income individuals could purchase insurance plans with subsidies to make coverage more affordable. By focusing on this demographic, the ACA aims to reduce the number of uninsured individuals in the United States and improve overall public health outcomes.

In contrast, the other options focus on populations that are either not the primary target of the ACA or do not encapsulate the main goal of expanding health insurance coverage. For instance, the elderly are generally covered under Medicare, and individuals with pre-existing conditions, while certainly beneficiaries of ACA protections, are part of a broader effort to secure coverage for all uninsured individuals, not just those with specific health issues. Wealthy individuals are less impacted by the ACA reforms, as they typically have more access to private insurance options without the need for significant coverage expansions.