What is a fundamental principle of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)?

The fundamental principle of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is to increase access to healthcare and reduce healthcare costs. This legislation was designed to expand healthcare coverage to millions of Americans who were previously uninsured or underinsured, making healthcare more accessible. By introducing measures such as health insurance marketplaces, Medicaid expansion, and subsidies for low-income individuals, the PPACA aimed to lower the barriers to obtaining health insurance and improve overall health outcomes.

Additionally, the law includes provisions intended to reduce overall healthcare costs over time, such as promoting preventive care and discouraging practices that lead to unnecessary expenditures. This focus on accessibility and cost reduction is central to the act's goals, reshaping the landscape of healthcare in the United States to prioritize affordability and availability of services for all citizens.