The Affordable Care Act of 2010 is designed to lower healthcare costs and increase access to healthcare. In March of 2010, the U.S. Congress finished passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (insert reference). President Barack Obama then signed these pieces of legislation into law, creating the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (insert reference). Together, these laws are commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Affordable Care Act is a controversial piece of legislation with the intent of expanding health care coverage to all American citizens at a reasonable cost.
There are many provisions to the piece of legislation that do not go in effect immediately. The changes in the new laws do not all happen immediately, but will take effect over a period of years. There are many changes that take place in 2013 and 2014. For the current year of 2013, individuals and small business can buy affordable and qualified health benefit plans in a new transparent and competitive marketplace. In 2014, tax credits for families will take effect. The tax credits to help the middle class afford insurance will become available for those with income between 100% and 400% of the poverty line who are not eligible for other affordable coverage (insert reference). Also, individuals cannot be discriminated against for pre-existing conditions or because of gender. This will eliminate the ability of insurance companies to charge higher rates due to gender or health status. Another change that is hoped to take place in 2015 is improving quality of care, while lowering costs. According to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “A new provision will tie physician