Which term refers to the law aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability?

• A. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• B. Medicare
• C. Medicaid
• D. Confidentiality

Answer: (A)

Expanding access to health insurance and making care more affordable is what this term represents. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, established health insurance marketplaces where people can compare plans and receive financial help, expanded Medicaid in many states, and put protections in place such as coverage for people with preexisting conditions and allowing young adults to stay on a parent’s plan until age 26. It also set aims to control costs and improve quality of care. In common usage, it’s known as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. The other terms refer to different concepts: Medicare is a federal program for older adults and certain disabled people, Medicaid is a joint federal‑state program for low‑income individuals, and confidentiality is about protecting patient privacy. None of those are the law specifically aimed at broadening access and reducing the cost of care in the way this act does.