I can only speak for myself and not "most people" but before the ACA I was actually denied for health insurance - as in, insurers would not sell me insurance at

I can only speak for myself and not "most people" but before the ACA I was actually denied for health insurance - as in, insurers would not sell me insurance at ANY price. After ACA went into effect, I got insurance and it was reasonable - I didn't even need to claim a subsidy for first few years, until I lost my job.