The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare or the Health Insurance Marketplace®, has been a topic of much debate and misinformation since its inception. To help clear up some of the confusion, here are ten common myths about the ACA and the facts that debunk them.

  1. Myth: The ACA is a government takeover of health care.
  • Fact: The ACA expands access to private health coverage, but it does not replace the private healthcare system with a government-run system.
  1. Myth: The ACA forces everyone to buy insurance or pay a penalty.
  • Fact: While the ACA originally included an individual mandate requiring most Americans to have health coverage or pay a penalty, this penalty was eliminated in 2019. Therefore, there is no longer a federal penalty for not having health coverage.
  1. Myth: The ACA is only for low-income individuals.
  • Fact: The ACA is designed to benefit everyone. Subsidies help low-income individuals and support middle-income families by offering financial assistance to lower the cost of premiums; this makes health coverage more affordable for a wide range of people.
  1. Myth: The ACA has caused premiums to skyrocket.
  • Fact: The ACA has implemented measures to control overall health care costs and its impact on premiums varies. While some individuals may have seen increases, others – particularly those with pre-existing conditions or low incomes – have benefited from lower costs due to expanded coverage options and subsidies.
  1. Myth: The ACA cuts Medicare benefits for seniors.
  • Fact: The ACA does not cut Medicare benefits. Instead, it added benefits like no-cost preventive services and annual wellness visits. It aims to reduce waste and fraud in the Medicare system and improve care coordination.
  1. Myth: The ACA is bad for small businesses.
  • Fact: The ACA does not require small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees to provide health insurance. In fact, it offers tax credits to assist small businesses that choose to provide insurance to their employees
  1. Myth: The ACA covers undocumented immigrants.
  • Fact: The ACA does not provide coverage for undocumented immigrants. They are not eligible for Medicaid expansion or Marketplace subsidies. However, lawfully present immigrants can purchase coverage and may qualify for subsidies.
  1. Myth: The ACA forces everyone to use the Marketplace.
  • Fact: The ACA does not require everyone to use the Health Insurance Marketplace. People can keep their existing insurance if it complies with ACA standards or has grandfathered status. The marketplace primarily serves individuals who do not have access to employer-sponsored insurance or other forms of coverage like Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP.
  1. Myth: The ACA forces people to change their doctors.
  • Fact: The ACA does not force people to change their doctors. However, insurance plans may have specific networks of providers. It's important for individuals to check if their preferred doctors are included in their plan's network.
  1. Myth: The ACA is unconstitutional.
  • Fact: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the ACA multiple times. The law remains in effect, and its core provisions, such as protections for pre-existing conditions and the availability of subsidies, continue to benefit millions of Americans.

Other facts

  • 4 in 5 people pay less than $10 per month1 for a health plan. See if you qualify.
  • 89%2 of members stayed with a MyPriority® health plan year after year.
  • Our members are at the center of everything we do; Priority Health was named to Newsweek's America's Best Customer Service 20243.
  • Earning 4 out of 5 stars on the Marketplace4, Priority Health gives you more value and does more to improve your health.

Understanding the Affordable Care Act is crucial for making informed decisions about health insurance. By debunking these common myths, we hope to provide clarity and help you navigate the complexities of the ACA.

If you have questions or need guidance when shopping, you can talk to an award-winning enrollment specialist who will find the right plan for you and your family.