The significance of landmark legislation such as the Affordable Care Act lies in its transformative impact on the U.S. healthcare system. Enacted in 2010, it aimed to expand access to healthcare coverage, reduce costs, and improve quality of care. The Act introduced provisions like the prohibition of denying insurance based on pre-existing conditions, the establishment of health insurance exchanges, and the expansion of Medicaid. Its legacy includes increased healthcare access for millions, ongoing debates regarding healthcare reform, and a shift toward considering healthcare as a basic human right in the U.S.