Which act established protections for consumers regarding health insurance coverage?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) plays a pivotal role in establishing protections for consumers regarding health insurance coverage. Enacted in 2010, the ACA introduced significant reforms aimed at increasing access to health insurance, improving the quality of care, and lowering healthcare costs.

One of the most notable protections under the ACA is the prohibition of denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, ensuring that individuals cannot be refused health insurance or charged higher premiums due to their health status. Additionally, the ACA mandates that insurance plans cover essential health benefits, imposes limits on out-of-pocket expenses, and extends coverage for young adults under their parents' plans until age 26. These consumer protections are designed to enhance affordability and accessibility of healthcare for millions of Americans.

While other acts listed may address certain aspects of health insurance or healthcare, they do not provide the same comprehensive consumer protections specifically associated with health insurance coverage as the Affordable Care Act. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act primarily focuses on the protection of patient information and the portability of health insurance. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act governs employer-sponsored benefit plans but does not provide broad consumer protections. The Medicare Modernization Act primarily addresses changes to Medicare and does not cover regulations for all health insurance consumers. Thus, the Affordable Care