What type of service must always be covered without cost-sharing in health insurance?

Preventive services are specified by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be covered without cost-sharing. This means that individuals can access important preventive care such as vaccinations, screenings, and annual wellness visits without having to pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The intention behind this policy is to encourage individuals to utilize preventive care that can help in early detection and reduce the likelihood of more serious health issues, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced overall healthcare costs.

While emergency services are crucial and must be covered, they may involve cost-sharing depending on the specifics of the health plan. Treatment for chronic illnesses is essential as well, but it typically does not fall under the category of services that are exempt from cost-sharing, as it often involves ongoing management that can incur costs. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered at all by health plans, as they are considered elective and not medically necessary.