In 2010, we passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - also known as the ACA or Obamacare. This was the first major change to our healthcare system since 1965 and increased healthcare coverage to 94% of our population. Obamacare is credited with giving about 23 million Americans healthcare, reducing prices due to increased competition, and prohibiting the abuses allowed by previous HMO policies which included denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, lifetime caps on benefits, and charging women higher premiums than men. Before and after its enactment the ACA faced strong political opposition, calls for repeal, and legal challenges. Polls initially found that many Americans opposed the ACA, although by 2017, its provisions were generally accepted and the law gained popular support. This same year, the Trump administration came within a ‘thumbs down’ vote by Sen. John McCain of repealing the ACA. Trump and several governors later took Obamacare to court with the intention of voiding the entire ACA. Today, Obamacare is supported by more than 70% of all Americans – even those who feel Obamacare did not go far enough. Many say health costs are still too high and that the Affordable Care Act should include a public insurance option.

Pending legislation: H.R.2010 - To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option
Sponsor: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR)
Status: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chair: Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ)