What does the ACA say about lifetime limits on health benefits?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) specifically prohibits health plans from imposing lifetime limits on essential health benefits. This provision was implemented to ensure that individuals could access necessary healthcare services without the fear of exhausting their benefits, which is particularly important for those with chronic conditions or who require long-term treatment. By eliminating lifetime limits, the ACA aims to promote better healthcare accessibility and continuity of care.

The law defines essential health benefits to include a range of services, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, preventative care, and mental health services, among others. This prohibition ensures that individuals have adequate coverage and can seek treatment when needed without financial barriers related to benefit limits.

In contrast, other options suggest limitations or conditions that do not align with the ACA's provisions regarding lifetime limits. For instance, the act does not impose any general lifetime limits on all health benefits or restrict limits to specific surgeries. Additionally, there is no blanket cap of $1 million on lifetime benefits under the ACA, as this would contradict the aim of providing comprehensive health coverage.