Do states have to follow the Affordable Care Act?

Asked by: Reggie Brakus  |  Last update: June 29, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (50 votes)

The Act's expanded insurance standards are designed to set a federal minimum; it is the expectation under the Affordable Care Act that state insurance departments will implement and enforce these laws as part of their legal insurance oversight powers.

What states do not participate in the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for low-income people. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Does the ACA apply to all states?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid coverage is extended to nearly all nonelderly adults with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (about $23,556 for a family of three in 2022) in the 42 states (including DC) that opted to expand as of March 2023.

Is the Affordable Care Act a state or federal law?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and informally as Obamacare, is a landmark U.S. federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.

Is Obamacare accepted everywhere?

Just like any other health plan, your Marketplace plan may not be accepted by every doctor, hospital, or provider. Many Marketplace insurance plans have limited or “narrow” networks of doctors and hospitals that agree to accept these lower negotiated prices.

Here's Why the Affordable Care Act Is So Controversial | History

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Can you use Obamacare out of state?

When you're traveling outside of California, your insurer doesn't matter: You are only eligible to have emergency and urgent medical services covered.

Is the Affordable Care Act nationwide?

These steps expanded access to affordable, comprehensive Marketplace coverage for millions of middle- and lower-income families nationwide.

Does it matter what state I live in for health insurance?

You should buy coverage in the state where you officially reside. Most states consider you a resident if you intend to make that state your permanent home.

How much is Obamacare a month for a single person?

Monthly premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans vary by state and can be reduced by premium tax credits. The average national monthly health insurance cost for one person on an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan without premium tax credits in 2024 is $477.

What states have an ACA mandate?

Which states have an Individual Mandate?
  • California.
  • D.C.
  • Massachusetts.
  • New Jersey.
  • Rhode Island.
  • Vermont (but there's currently no financial penalty attached to the mandate)

What are the hardest states to get Medicaid?

The 10 most deficient state programs have overall scores ranging from between 317.8 and 379.1 of the total 1000 points. The worst, in order from 50th to 41st, are in Mississippi, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Indiana, South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Missouri.

Who opposes Affordable Care Act?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed by a Democratic Congress and signed into law by a Democratic president in 2010. Republican congressmen, governors, and Republican candidates have consistently opposed the ACA and have vowed to repeal it.

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

Can I refuse health insurance from my employer and get Obamacare?

Obamacare is available to everyone, whether or not their employers offer insurance. From a practical standpoint, though, there are financial consequences to doing this. Often, an employer subsidizes part or all of their employees' coverage.

How much does ACA insurance cost?

Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans require you to pay a monthly premium, which may be reduced by a premium subsidy — also called a premium tax credit. New legislation means that 4 out of 5 people in the 2025 coverage year will be able to find a plan on the marketplace for $10 or less per month.

Who does not benefit from the Affordable Care Act?

Individuals with incomes exceeding 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL; $46,680 for an individual, $95,400 for a family of four) are ineligible for either Medicaid or Marketplace tax credits. This group represents 16 percent of the ineligible, uninsured population. 2.

What is the moral hazard of the Affordable Care Act?

In the context of health insurance, the term “moral hazard” is used to capture the idea that insurance coverage, by lowering the marginal cost of care to the individual (commonly referred to as the out-of-pocket cost), may increase healthcare use.

Is Obamacare worth it?

Proponents of the health care legislation, frequently referred to as Obamacare, have called it a historic political achievement and landmark legislation that reformed the US health care system by lowering health care costs, making health care more affordable, and protecting consumers.

What states refuse Obamacare?

Ten states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—have not expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act to individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

What is the biggest problem with Obamacare?

Obamacare has increased the cost of health care and health insurance. The ACA's federal mandates and spending, including Medicaid expansion and subsidized individual plans, have drastically increased the cost of health care and health insurance. 2. Obamacare increases Americans' reliance on the federal government. …

Who is exempt from Obamacare?

If you're seeking an exemption because you can't afford coverage, you're a member of a federally recognized tribe, you're incarcerated, or you participate in a recognized health care sharing ministry, you have two options: The exemptions can be claimed when you complete your federal tax return.