What is one key feature of the ACA related to essential health benefits?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) explicitly defines ten categories of essential health benefits that all qualified health plans must cover. This requirement ensures that individuals and families have access to a comprehensive set of healthcare services, which includes items such as emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, and preventive and wellness services. By establishing these categories, the ACA aims to enhance the quality of care and protect consumers from inadequate insurance coverage that might leave them vulnerable to high out-of-pocket costs for necessary health services. This is a significant shift in health insurance standards, prioritizing a minimum level of coverage for all policyholders.