What was the primary expectation of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)?

The primary expectation of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was to bring coverage to millions of Americans who previously could not or would not purchase health insurance. This law aimed to increase health insurance coverage through various provisions, such as expanding Medicaid eligibility, creating health insurance marketplaces (exchanges), and offering subsidies for lower-income individuals.

The act specifically targeted the uninsured population, intending to reduce the number of people without health insurance, which was a significant issue in the United States at the time. By making health insurance more accessible and affordable, the PPACA aimed to help those who were unable to obtain coverage due to financial constraints or pre-existing health conditions. This focus on expanding availability played a central role in the overall goal of improving public health and reducing the burden of uncompensated care on healthcare systems.

While reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of care are important objectives associated with health reform, they are secondary to the fundamental aim of enhancing coverage for the uninsured population. Therefore, bringing coverage to millions of Americans stands out as the primary expectation of the PPACA.