What type of plans must cover essential health benefits?

The requirement that plans must cover essential health benefits is a fundamental aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the ACA, all individual and small group health insurance plans offered in the Marketplace must cover a set of essential health benefits. This includes ten categories such as emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, and prescription drugs, among others.

This mandate ensures that consumers have access to comprehensive coverage that meets their basic health care needs. The intention behind this requirement is to improve health outcomes and protect consumers from inadequate insurance that could lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses in times of medical need.

Employer-sponsored plans, while they may voluntarily include these essential health benefits, are not universally required to do so unless they are classified under small group plans. Medicaid plans are designed to provide coverage for low-income individuals, and while they often include many essential health benefits, the specifics can vary by state. Plans sold through private insurers may also not cover essential benefits if they don’t comply with ACA regulations.

Thus, selecting the statement that all plans under the Affordable Care Act must cover essential health benefits accurately reflects the law's intent and requirements.