How does the ACA aim to assist those in need of affordable healthcare coverage?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly aims to expand access to affordable healthcare coverage primarily through the provision of tax credits to individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line. This mechanism is designed to help make health insurance more affordable by lowering out-of-pocket costs for those who might otherwise struggle to pay health premiums.

This approach encourages more individuals to seek insurance through the health insurance marketplaces established by the ACA. By providing these subsidies, the ACA helps bridge the gap for middle-income earners who do not qualify for Medicaid but still find it challenging to afford health insurance on their own. This broadens access to necessary medical services and promotes a healthier population.

Other options, such as providing tax credits for those below the poverty line or raising income thresholds for eligibility, do not accurately represent the ACA's objectives. The ACA specifically targets a range that is meant to assist working-class individuals who may not necessarily be in poverty but still require financial assistance in securing healthcare coverage. Additionally, imposing higher premiums for those without coverage does not contribute to improving access and affordability; rather, it would create a disincentive for individuals to maintain health coverage. Thus, the selected answer effectively captures the ACA's strategy to make healthcare more accessible