This document provides an overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It discusses the long history of healthcare reform efforts in the United States stretching back over a century. It also outlines the major components and provisions of the PPACA, including the creation of health insurance exchanges, expanded Medicaid eligibility, subsidies for individuals and businesses, and improvements to the quality and performance of the healthcare system. The PPACA builds upon but also differs from healthcare reform proposals put forth by previous administrations such as President Clinton's 1993 plan, which included a more regulatory approach with greater government involvement in the industry.