human
I've been hearing a lot of talk about the new health care law. I don't know what it is or how it will affect me. Can you tell me about it?
assistant
Sure! The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 and went into effect in 2014. It requires that all Americans have health insurance or pay a penalty. It also provides subsidies to help people buy insurance if they can't afford it. Insurance companies must provide certain minimum levels of coverage, such as preventive services and hospitalization. There are also rules around pre-existing conditions, annual limits on benefits, and other consumer protections.