What are Essential Health Benefits (EHB)?

Essential Health Benefits (EHB) refer to a set of health care service categories that certain health plans are required to cover under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means that any non-grandfathered individual and small group health insurance plans offered must include coverage for ten specific categories of services. These categories include outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorders, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric services.

Given this context, the option that describes EHB as health care service categories that must be covered by certain plans accurately captures the core principle behind their establishment. The focus is on ensuring a baseline level of comprehensive care for all individuals, which is essential for promoting public health and providing access to necessary medical services. By mandating the inclusion of these benefits, the ACA aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on individuals.