Staying Fit
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Both before and after its creation, supporters and opponents argued the legislation's pros and cons, and state governments and federal courts have both supported and challenged some of its provisions, many of which are scheduled to take full effect by January 1, 2014.
AARP supported passage of the Affordable Care Act because the law contains protections that benefit our members, their families and other Americans age 50 and over, for whom the lack of health insurance coverage — or affordable coverage — is a serious challenge.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
The ACA was debated before the Supreme Court on March 26, 27 and 28, during a rare multi-day schedule of oral arguments.
AARP filed amicus (friend of the court) briefs providing the justices with information about how people ages 50 to 64 who don't have employer-based coverage are routinely denied affordable health insurance because of their age and pre-existing conditions. In 2010, the number of uninsured adults ages 50 to 64 in the United States reached 8.9 million — 3.7 million more than in 2000.
Despite the debates and court challenges, many parts of the Affordable Care Act are now in effect and in use. AARP is focused on helping our members and the public understand the many provisions of the law specifically designed to protect older people and their families.
Current and future provisions of the law that benefit people 50 and over and their families include:
If you have insurance:
- As long as you pay your premiums, an insurance company can no longer drop your coverage if you become sick or disabled;
- An insurance company can no longer place lifetime dollar limits on your health coverage;
- Many private health insurance plans must now cover more preventive care services, such as mammograms and other screenings, at no additional cost to you.
More on politics-society
11 Ways to Fight Election Disinformation
The 2024 election is on the horizon. How can you tell if photos, videos and stories are real?What Issues Will Sway the Midterm Elections for 50+ Voters?
For many older Americans, winning their support will come down to how candidates plan to tackle real problems