What are essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) refer to a comprehensive set of categories that must be covered by certain health plans, particularly those sold on the health insurance marketplaces. This mandate ensures that all qualifying health insurance policies provide a standard level of coverage for key areas, which helps promote equity in access to healthcare services for individuals and families.

The ACA outlines ten specific categories that are considered essential health benefits, including items such as emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, and preventive and wellness services. By establishing these requirements, the ACA aims to ensure that individuals have access to a broad range of healthcare services without facing excessive costs or limitations.

Other options focus on specific aspects of coverage rather than representing the broader concept of essential health benefits that encompass multiple vital areas of health services.