Essential Benefits

One of the biggest changes brought about by the ACA is the requirement that, starting in 2014, health insurance plans cover 10 essential benefits. This is why so many plans are being canceled by insurers. They don't meet that standard.

What are the 10 essential benefits?

Hospitalization

Ambulatory Care (Outpatient care)

Maternity and Newborn Care

Prescription Drugs

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

Emergency Room Visits

Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services

Laboratory Services

Wellness and Preventive Services

Dental and Vision Services (Pediatric Only)

Many policies in the individual market did not have all of these benefits and, if not grandfathered, is one of the reasons people might lose their coverage in 2014. In order for a plan to comply with the ACA it must include these 10 benefits. This is true if you go through the exchange or if you buy your policy outside, or off-exchange. And remember, the only reason to go through the Healthcare.gov site is to get your subsidy. If you are in need of health insurance and you no you are not eligible for the subsidy you do not need to wait for the web site to be fixed. Contact a qualified health insurance agent or broker and they can assist you in getting the coverage you need.

If you have any questions you can contact me at 630-985-9628.

If you want to see what the new plans look like you can go to my Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois site  - https://retailweb.hcsc.net/retailshoppingcart/IL/census?ExpressLinkedAgentId=8610

You can get rates and look at options from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (Illinois residents only) without entering any personally identifiable information.