Which of the following is a requirement of the Affordable Care Act?

The requirement that insurers must provide coverage to all applicants regardless of health status is a fundamental aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This provision ensures that individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their medical history or pre-existing conditions. Prior to the ACA, it was common for insurance companies to deny coverage to individuals with certain health issues, which left many people without access to necessary healthcare services.

The ACA's mandate that all individuals have access to health insurance regardless of their health status helps to create a more equitable healthcare system, as it promotes inclusion and ensures that necessary care is accessible to everyone. This requirement is an essential part of the law, as it contributes to the overall goals of improving public health and reducing financial barriers to care.

In contrast, the other choices reflect practices that are not aligned with the ACA's objectives of increasing access and affordability. For example, denying coverage for pre-existing conditions or setting maximum coverage limits are prohibited under the ACA, making these choices inconsistent with the law's requirements. Additionally, while work-sponsored plans are a common method of obtaining insurance, the ACA does not mandate that insurance must be purchased exclusively through such avenues.