Health Reform Myth or Fact?

Health insurance has changed a lot over the last 11 years, but some people are still confused about what the Affordable Care Act (ACA) really does and doesn’t do. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.

Myth 1: Everyone is required to have health insurance.

Fact: The individual mandate, which required everyone to have health insurance or pay a penalty, was repealed in 2017. However, there are still some cases in which you may be required to have health insurance, such as if you are receiving government subsidies for your premiums or if you are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.

Myth 2: The ACA only benefits low-income people.

Fact: The ACA has benefited people of all income levels. For example, the ACA has expanded access to health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, and it has also made preventive care more affordable for everyone.

Myth 3: The ACA has caused health insurance premiums to increase.

Fact: The ACA has actually helped to slow the growth of health insurance premiums. In fact, premiums have increased at a slower rate since the ACA was implemented than they did in the years leading up to the ACA.

Myth 4: The ACA is going to be repealed.

Fact: The ACA has been the subject of several legal challenges, but it has never been repealed. In fact, the Supreme Court has upheld the ACA twice, most recently in 2012.

Myth 5: The ACA is a government takeover of healthcare.

Fact: The ACA is not a government takeover of healthcare. It is a set of reforms that are designed to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable for Americans.

If you have any questions about the ACA, you can contact your health insurance company or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).