Doesn't the added coverage of millions of Americans represent a major success of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Background Information

Debate Question:This is what a short summary question would look like.

Through mid-2015, approximately 20 million Americans gained coverage under the ACA through either Medicaid expansion or state and federal health insurance exchanges. That figure may have increased during the most recent enrollment period.
in favor
against

A key goal of the law was to get coverage for more Americans, and the uninsured rate of 8.6% is the lowest it’s been on record.

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist In Favor
  • +1 Good Point

The ACA fell far short of its initial projections (32 million) because many states chose not to expand Medicaid or introduce their own exchanges.

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist Against
  • Good Point +1

The ACA met its enrollment goals based on states that expanded Medicaid and invested in state marketplaces. The states that didn’t participate refused for political reasons only. 

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist In Favor
  • +1 Good Point

Many states chose not to participate due to perceived problems in the law, so if they accounted for the missed enrollment targets, it means the law was flawed.

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist Against
  • Good Point +1

Whatever the numbers, it’s unacceptable to have millions of Americans uninsured, and the ACA reduced this figure substantially.

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist In Favor
  • +1 Good Point

To the extent that the ACA brought coverage to some who lacked it previously, it came at an unsustainable cost and an unacceptable violation of individual rights. 

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist Against
  • Good Point +1

Insurance coverage increases the likelihood of the insured receiving needed care. Health insurance coverage is a basic human right. 

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist In Favor
  • +1 Good Point

Insurance isn’t a human right; only the opportunity to be healthy is. Being insured may increase use of healthcare, but there is little clear evidence that insurance coverage has an impact on health outcomes. And uninsured people can get care through emergency rooms.

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist Against
  • Good Point +1

Health insurance coverage means fewer personal bankruptcies from medical bills (and greater peace of mind).

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist In Favor
  • +1 Good Point

It’s desirable to get people coverage, but more than half of the ACA’s coverage expansion came via Medicaid, which is not an efficient way to provide coverage.

Zetema PanelistZetema Panelist Against
  • Good Point +1

What do you think?

Doesn't the added coverage of millions of Americans represent a major success of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Doesn't the added coverage of millions of Americans represent a major success of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

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