The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as “Obamacare,” is a healthcare reform law introduced in 2010. Its main goal is to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for everyone. The ACA’s impact is huge.
Expanded Medicaid eligibility.
Created online marketplaces for individuals to buy insurance.
Required insurers to accept applicants with preexisting conditions.
Mandated coverage of essential health benefits
Covers hospitalization, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
Covers preventive care like check-ups and vaccines.
Popular Courses and Programs in the USA
Universities in the United States offer a range of programs catering to various career aspirations and industry demands. These are some of the most sought-after master’s degrees in the USA.
Business
Engineering
Medicine
Astronomy
After 12th
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Study in the USA for Indian Students After 12th
BBA Business Administration – University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School
BSc Mechanical Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MD Medicine – Harvard University
BSc Astrophysics – California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
BSc Computer Science – Stanford University
BSc Management – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Sloan School
BSc Electrical Engineering – Stanford University
MD Medicine – Johns Hopkins University
BSc Astronomy – Harvard University
BBA Business Administration – University of Pennsylvania
BBA International Business – University of California, Berkeley – Haas School
BSc Civil Engineering – University of California, Berkeley
MD Medicine – Stanford University
BSc Physics with Astronomy – University of California, Berkeley
BSc Mechanical Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
BSc Finance – New York University – Stern School of Business
BSc Computer Engineering – Carnegie Mellon University
MD Medicine – University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
MSc Astronomy – University of Chicago
MD Medicine (Pre-Med Pathway) – Harvard University
BSc Accounting – University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
BSc Aerospace Engineering – California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
MD Medicine – University of Pennsylvania – Perelman Schoo
BSc Astronomy – Princeton University
BSc Data Science – University of California, Berkeley
BBA Marketing – University of Southern California – Marshall School
BSc Chemical Engineering – Georgia Institute of Technology
MD Medicine – Columbia University
BSc Astrophysics – University of Arizona
BSc Psychology – Yale University
Why ACA-Compliant Plans Are Essential for Students
Choosing an ACA health insurance plan ensures better student protection, fairness, and financial security. Here’s why ACA-compliant health insurance matters:
Coverage
Medicaid expansion helps many low-income and minority students afford health insurance.
Fairness
ACA-compliant plans cannot deny coverage or charge extra based on preexisting conditions.
Compliance
Many US colleges and universities require proof of ACA health insurance.
Financial Well-being
ACA plans cap out-of-pocket expenses and eliminate lifetime coverage limits.
How ACA-Compliant Insurance Meets Coverage Requirements
ACA-compliant health insurance plans guarantee a full range of protections by covering ten essential health benefits:
Outpatient (ambulatory) services
Emergency services
Hospitalization
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
Laboratory services
Preventive and wellness services, plus chronic disease management
Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
ACA health insurance plan requirements
ACA health care plans give students the comprehensive, fair, and reliable coverage they need.
Have no annual or lifetime coverage limits for essential benefits.
Cover preventive services (like vaccinations and health screenings) at no extra cost.
Accept all applicants during open enrollment, regardless of health status.
Cap maximum out-of-pocket expenses to protect against catastrophic costs.
Benefits of ACA-Compliance Insurance Plans
Preventive Care
Stay ahead of health worries with free check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings.
Lower Healthcare Costs
Get subsidies and caps on out-of-pocket expenses.
No Pre-existing Condition Exclusions
Coverage even in case of pre-existing conditions without extra fees.
ACA-Compliant vs. Non-ACA Health Plans: Compare Your Options
Factor
ACA-Compliant Plan
Non-ACA Plan
Coverage
Full essential coverage
Spotty, missing benefits
Premiums
Higher, worth it
Lower, risky costs
Eligibility
Open, easy access
Restricted, tricky
Pre-Existing Conditions
Always fully covered
Often excluded
Preventive Care
Free, no copays
Extra charges
Mental Health
Equal care guaranteed
Often skipped
Maternity Care
Included by default
Usually missing
Prescriptions
Covered, affordable meds
Limited or missing
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Capped, predictable
High, unpredictable
Network
Wide, flexible access
Small, costly gaps
Dependent Coverage
Children covered till 26
Rarely available
Renewability
Easy if eligible
Must reapply
Top ACA-Compliant Health Insurance Providers
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Trusted nationwide, with all the essentials and premiums that are pocket-friendly.
United Healthcare
Built with students in mind including telehealth, mental health support, and affordable meds.
Aetna Student Health
Perfect for university life, with emergency care, preventive visits, and flexible costs.
Cigna
A big network of doctors, plus strong mental health care, which is great for international students.
Oscar Health
Easy on the budget, with free virtual visits and preventive care to keep you going.
ACA-compliant health insurance covers everything including hospital stays, emergencies, doctor visits. It also covers prescriptions and mental health care. Plus, it also offers cover for maternity support and preventive services like vaccines and wellness check-ups.
How can I check if my student health insurance plan is ACA-compliant?
To find out if your plan is ACA-compliant, give your insurance provider a quick call and ask directly. You can also check if it includes coverage of essential health benefits and free preventive care. If yes, it is likely ACA-compliant. For extra peace of mind, checkHealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace to double-check if it meets the ACA’s standards.
Do international students need ACA-compliant insurance?
It’s not always a legal must for international students to have ACA-compliant health insurance. But US universities make it a must-have for enrollment. Even otherwise, an ACA-compliant plan provides you with comprehensive coverage. It is a good-to-have since it shields you from the jaw-dropping medical bills the US is known for. Even if your school doesn’t require it, it’s a smart move to keep yourself protected and focused on your studies, not stress.