The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. Often referred to as Obamacare, the law sets minimum standards for health insurance policies and mandates that everyone purchase some form of health insurance. One of Obamacare's primary goals is to expand coverage to individuals who were previously unable to purchase insurance due to pre-existing conditions.

Applicants can shop for health insurance online at regulated marketplaces operated by their state or federal government.