What is the primary purpose of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The primary purpose of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to increase the number of insured individuals and improve healthcare quality. The ACA was introduced to expand healthcare coverage, particularly through the creation of health insurance marketplaces and the expansion of Medicaid in many states. By making it easier for individuals to obtain insurance—particularly those with pre-existing conditions—the ACA aimed to reduce the number of uninsured people in the United States.

Additionally, the ACA included provisions to enhance the quality of care. This is achieved through initiatives that promote preventive care, focus on patient outcomes, and ensure that healthcare systems operate more efficiently. By encouraging best practices and implementing various quality improvement measures, the ACA sought to not only expand access but also to elevate the standard of care received by patients.

In summary, the ACA's dual objective of expanding insurance coverage and improving the quality of care is foundational to its design and implementation, directly addressing significant issues in the healthcare system prior to its enactment.