According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a dependent child's eligibility status is determined by what factor?

The correct answer is based on the guidelines established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which stipulates that a dependent child's eligibility for coverage under a parent's health insurance plan is primarily determined by age. Specifically, the ACA allows young adults to remain on their parent's insurance policy until they turn 26 years old, regardless of other factors such as income level, marital status, or employment status.

This provision was included to help ensure that young adults could maintain access to healthcare during a crucial transition period in their lives. It acknowledges that individuals in this age group are often still pursuing education or starting their careers, during which they may not have stable employment or may still be dependent on their parents for financial support. Because of this, the age limit is a clear and straightforward criterion for eligibility, simplifying the process of coverage and ensuring access to necessary healthcare services.