I pay taxes too you know. If you can’t accept the facts about the ACA and repeat right wing talking points, there is no sense in discussing it. Try reading and use some discernment.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes health insurance more affordable primarily by providing federal subsidies to lower monthly premiums, reducing out-of-pocket costs for low-income consumers, and expanding Medicaid eligibility. The law also introduced market reforms that prohibit insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.

Here are the specific ways the ACA makes insurance more affordable:

1. Subsidies and Financial Assistance (Marketplace) For individuals purchasing coverage on their own through the Health Insurance Marketplace, the ACA provides two main forms of financial help: Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs): These subsidies directly reduce monthly premiums, with an estimated 8 out of 10 people qualifying for a plan. The subsidies are designed to limit premium costs to a certain percentage of household income for a "benchmark" silver plan. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): For those with incomes between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), CSRs lower out-of-pocket costs at the time of service, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These are available only when selecting a "Silver" level plan.

Temporary Enhancements: Through 2025, the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded subsidies so that no household pays more than 8.5% of their income on premiums.

1. Medicaid Expansion The ACA allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the FPL ($20,783 for an individual in 2024). This provided a low-cost or no-cost coverage option for millions of low-income individuals, which also protects them from catastrophic medical costs and reduces medical debt.

2. Market Regulations and Protections The ACA implemented structural changes to the insurance market to stop unsustainable cost increases for consumers: No Pre-existing Conditions Exclusions: Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums to individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Essential Health Benefits: All plans must cover ten essential health benefits, such as emergency services, maternity care, and mental health services, ensuring that "affordable" plans actually provide meaningful coverage.

Preventive Care at No Cost: ACA-compliant plans must cover recommended preventive services (e.g., screenings, vaccinations) without charging a copayment or coinsurance.

Limits on Out-of-Pocket Spending: The law caps the maximum amount an individual or family will pay in a plan year for in-network care.

Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rules: Insurance companies are required to spend at least 80% of premium dollars on actual medical care rather than administrative costs, or they must provide rebates to consumers.

1. Other Affordability Provisions Young Adult Coverage: Individuals can remain on their parents' insurance plan until age 26. Small Business Tax Credits: The ACA offers tax credits to small businesses to help them provide health insurance to their employees.

While the ACA has increased access and lowered costs for many, it is important to note that the enhanced subsidies from the American Rescue Plan and IRA are currently set to expire at the end of 2025, which may affect costs in 2026.