The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has not been overthrown or repealed.
Current Situation:
ACA remains law: Despite past repeal efforts and ongoing challenges, the ACA remains in effect.
Challenges and potential changes:
Expiration of enhanced subsidies: Enhanced premium tax credits, which helped lower the cost of ACA marketplace plans, are set to expire at the end of 2025. If not extended, this could lead to millions losing coverage.
Republican proposals: A recently passed House bill (expected to be signed by the President) proposes several changes to the ACA, including ending automatic reenrollment for many users, which could undermine coverage gains.
Legal Challenges: There have been ongoing legal challenges to the ACA, including recent cases addressing the structure of the task force that recommends preventive health services and challenges to agency deference in health care enforcement. The Supreme Court recently upheld the task force, rejecting a key challenge to the ACA.
Continued Impact: The ACA has led to millions gaining health coverage and significant reductions in the uninsured rate. 41 states (including DC) have expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
In summary, while the ACA has faced and continues to face political and legal challenges, it has not been overthrown. However, there are proposed and enacted changes, along with looming subsidy expirations, that could impact coverage and affordability in the coming years.
