The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or PPACA was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 30, 2010. This law was a major agenda of the Obama administrative and is considered one of the major milestones of his presidency. Health care reform has long been an issue in the United States and it is the hope that passing this law will help to repair the health care system and health insurance industry in the United States and bring affordable health care to all citizens.

Background

It was a rocky road to get the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
passed through Congress and the House. There was a lot of opposition to the PPACA from the Republican party and from independent groups, such as the Tea Party Movement. Despite opposition, in November of 2009 the bill passed in the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate.

In the Senate the passing of the bill was delayed. The Senate had to look at another bill before they could look at the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act bill. The PPACA bill was amended once the Senate started debating it. It was further delayed by a Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson's filibuster. In late December of 2009 Senate voted to stop debate on the bill. However, election of Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown in January of 2010 threatened to turn over this decision as it gave the Republicans enough votes to filibuster. There were several more debates, including issues with organizations that opposed certain parts of the bill. Additionally, there were new drafts of the bill, changes made by the Senate to the original bill that came from House. Eventually, after more debate the bill finally passed. President Obama signed it into law in March of 2010.

Facts about PPACA

There has been a lot said about Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. People are lined up both in support and in opposition of the new law. It can be difficult to understand such a complex law. The biggest concerns from the American public seem to be how the PPACA will change health insurance.

It is important to understand that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will not allow the government to take over the health care system. The government's intentions are to help people obtain health insurance. Medicaid and Medicare programs will remain, but for the most part insurance will still be obtained through private insurers.

Health insurance companies will be more regulated. There will be regulations about the costs, coverage and qualification for insurance. Over a four year period changes will occur to make sure that no insurance company can deny anyone insurance coverage. Additionally, PPACA will require every citizen to have health care coverage or be required to pay a fine. Large employers who do not provide employees insurance coverage would also be subjected to fines. Some groups of the population may see decreased premiums, but the majority of people will see little to no change in premiums.

This is just a few highlights of what will happen over the four years that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will begin to take effect. The hope is to get all Americans covered by health insurance. Having everyone covered by insurance can greatly reduce medical debts, which contribute to the rising health care costs in the country. Only time will tell if the PPACA will have the huge effect that it is hoped to have.