What are essential health benefits that plans must provide in the Marketplace?

Essential health benefits are a set of health care service categories that must be covered by plans in the Federally-facilitated Marketplace. These benefits are intended to ensure that individuals have access to a comprehensive range of health services necessary for overall health and well-being. The correct option outlines several categories, including emergency services, hospitalization, maternity care, mental health and substance use disorder services, and prescription drugs.

Emergency services are crucial for ensuring that individuals receive immediate care for serious health conditions, while hospitalization covers necessary inpatient care. Maternity care is essential for expecting mothers, ensuring they receive essential services before, during, and after childbirth. Mental health services address the needs of those experiencing psychological issues, a vital aspect of overall health. Finally, prescription drugs are integral for managing various health conditions, providing access to medications necessary for treatment.

This breadth of coverage is aimed at promoting access to high-quality health care and preventing consumers from facing exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for necessary medical services. Other choices do not represent the full scope of essential health benefits as defined by the Affordable Care Act, focusing instead on more limited or non-essential services.