The ACA immediately lowered the cost for insurance. I know because in 2007 my healthy, 28yr old, non-smoking ass tried to get private health insurance. The cheapest, emergency-only coverage I could get was over $600/mo. After the ACA was enacted I could get a similar plan for under $200. I hadnt had health insurance for 10 years by then cause I was kicked off my dad’s when I turned 18, not 26 like it is now.