The Affordable Care Act is a Federal Law that became effective March 23, 2010. There are many provisions under each calendar year and there are many definitions of some of the terminology being used that are confusing to folks not in the health insurance business. Please note: it’s easy to be confused between health insurance and health care. I’m providing a link to an explanation of the ACA provided by Wellmark which I feel is an easy read and would give you a general understanding of this law.