Since its inception, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, has been heavily debated. That debate continues today, nearly eight years later. While there are mixed reports of success on the health plan side, ancillary products like dental and vision have seen steady growth on the exchanges.

As of 2015, about 1.4 million individuals obtained a stand-alone dental plan through the federally-facilitated health insurance marketplace and state-based marketplaces, per a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2017 saw a lot of talk about the future of the ACA, with the election of President Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress. Most recently, Congress passed major tax legislation that included a repeal of the individual mandate to carry health insurance. While the mandate was one of the least popular ACA provisions (as opposed to coverage for pre-existing conditions, for example), many experts warned that the mandate was critical to the ACA running properly.

While Congress had heavy debate last year, it voted down a few proposals to rework the ACA or replace it with something else. However, proposed changes on the state level are happening fast and frequent; as an insurance broker, you are likely wondering: what’s next for the ACA?

Here’s the latest news on the ACA to keep you and your employer groups in the know:

• Is the ACA unconstitutional? 20 states think so and are filing lawsuits against Obamacare.
• While some states want to do away with the ACA, others are seeing growth and viability. New York saw record growth for 2018 with 4.3 million members enrolled, an increase of 700,000.
• States are divided on their support for the ACA with some states looking to enhance their exchange offerings or consider building their own state-based exchanges.
• The future of the exchanges and the provisions covered by the ACA, such as rolling back requirements and essential health benefits, continue to be a moving target as Republicans and Democrats have significantly opposing views on the direction of the ACA moving forward.

These updates on the ACA are great resources for discussion with your clients and help you keep your employer groups updated on issues that might affect them and their employees.

What type of news helps you in your business as an insurance broker? Comment below.