Which component is part of the Affordable Care Act aimed at reforming health care?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, introduced several key provisions aimed at reforming healthcare access and affordability. One of the most significant components of the ACA is the establishment of health insurance exchanges. These exchanges are online marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans. This component is designed to increase competition among insurers and provide consumers with more options, leading to potentially lower premiums and better coverage.

Furthermore, the exchanges also facilitate access to subsidies that can help lower-income individuals and families afford health insurance. By creating a structured environment for insurance purchasing, the ACA aimed to reduce the number of uninsured Americans and make healthcare more accessible.

In contrast, the other options mentioned do not accurately reflect the provisions of the ACA. While Medicaid expansion did take place under the ACA, the eligibility parameters differ—much higher than 55% of the poverty level—and have varied by state. The provision allowing young adults to remain on their parents' insurance extends to age 26, not 18. Additionally, while the ACA indeed addressed pre-existing conditions, it did not eliminate them from care considerations; instead, it mandated that insurers could not deny coverage based on them, ensuring such individuals could obtain health insurance.