What is the purpose of the Affordable Care Act as it relates to healthcare?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed with the primary purpose of expanding access to healthcare coverage to more Americans. It aimed to achieve universal healthcare coverage by introducing measures to increase the number of individuals who have access to health insurance. This included the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, expansion of Medicaid eligibility, and mandates for individuals to obtain insurance or face penalties, thereby encouraging more people to enroll in health plans.

While reducing prescription drug costs is a goal addressed in part by the ACA, it is not the overarching aim of the legislation. Regulatory aspects concerning dietary supplements or monitoring pharmacy practices fall outside the scope of the ACA and pertain more to different regulatory frameworks or agencies. Therefore, the essence of the ACA is about broadening healthcare access, making it clear that ensuring universal healthcare coverage is the most accurate characterization of its purpose.