What was the number of uninsured individuals under the age of 65 before the ACA?

The correct figure for the number of uninsured individuals under the age of 65 before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was approximately 48.3 million. This statistic reflects the significant gap in health insurance coverage that existed prior to the reforms introduced by the ACA. The legislation aimed to reduce this number by implementing measures such as the expansion of Medicaid, the establishment of health insurance exchanges, and the mandate requiring individuals to obtain health insurance.

Understanding the context in which this number is significant is essential; it highlights the challenge of accessing affordable healthcare prior to the ACA. The impact of this coverage gap is evident in the health outcomes and financial burdens faced by uninsured individuals. The ACA sought to address these issues by increasing access to insurance and improving healthcare affordability, thereby reducing the number of uninsured individuals.