ACA’s ‘essential health benefits’ in play

WASHINGTON - Scrambling to nail down votes for the House health care bill, Republicans are considering ways to ease federal requirements that insurers cover such basic services as prescription drugs, maternity care and substance abuse treatment.

Lawmakers emerging from a meeting late Wednesday of the conservative Freedom Caucus said “essential health benefits” are in play as party leaders and the White House explore ways to advance the House legislation.

The Affordable Care Act’s essential benefits include outpatient care; emergency services; hospitalization; pregnancy, maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance abuse treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitation; laboratory and diagnostic tests; preventive and wellness services; and pediatric care, including dental and vision services for kids.

The required benefits are considered especially significant for women, since birth control and other routine women’s health services are now covered at no charge to patients.