redditor captainpixystick explains the Affordable Care Act to you like you're five.

• Bob: Hi, insurance company. I'd like to buy some health insurance.
• Insurance company: No. You had cancer when you were 3 years old, and the cancer could come back. We're not selling you health insurance.
• Bob: It's not my fault I got cancer when I was three! Besides, that was years ago!
• Insurance company: If we sell insurance to you, we'll probably lose money, and we're not doing it.
• Bob: But I need insurance more than anyone! My cancer might come back!
• Insurance company: We don't care. We're not selling you insurance.
• Obama: Hey, that's totally not fair. Bob is right, he does need insurance! Sell Bob some insurance.
• Insurance company: If we have to, I guess.
• Mary: This is cool. Obama said the insurance company has to sell insurance to anyone who needs it.
• Sam: Hey, I have an idea. I'm going to stop paying for health insurance. If I get sick, I can always go buy some insurance then. The insurance company won't be able to say no, because Obama's told them they have to sell it to anyone who needs it!
• Dave: that's a great idea! I'm not paying for health insurance either, at least not until I get sick.
• Insurance company: Hey! If everyone stops paying for insurance, we'll go bankrupt!
• Obama: Oh come on Sam and Dave, that's not fair either.
• Dave: I don't care. It saves me money.
• Obama: Oh for god's sake. Sam, Dave, you have to keep paying for health insurance, and not wait until you're sick. You too, Mary and Bob.
• Mary: But I'm broke! I can't buy insurance! I just don't have any money.
• Obama: Mary, show me your piggy bank. Oh, wow, you really are broke. Ok, tell you what. You still have to buy insurance, but I'll help you pay 95% of the cost.
• Mary: thank you.
• Obama: I need an aspirin.
• Insurance company: We're not paying for that aspirin.