Before the ACA, insurers were offering plans that had a wide range of benefits, from bare-bones catastrophic coverage, to high-end "Cadillac plans," but there were no minimums.
The new minimum essential benefits that insurers must cover as part of their plans include emergency services as well as outpatient care that people get at a hospital without being admitted.
Other benefits also include:
-Hospitalization, such as for surgery.
-Care both before and after the birth of a baby. Includes breast pump.
-Mental health and substance use services, which includes behavioral health treatment such as counseling and psychotherapy.
-Prescription drugs.
-Lab services.
-Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices for injuries, disabilities and chronic conditions. This includes speech and other therapies designed to help a person keep, learn or improve skills and functioning for daily living.
-Preventive and wellness services.
-Pediatric services.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101152063