Which of the following is NOT considered an essential health benefit?

Cosmetic surgery is not considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Essential health benefits are a set of healthcare service categories that must be covered by certain plans beginning with the 2014 coverage year. These benefits include areas such as emergency services, rehabilitative services and devices, and maternity and newborn care, which all address critical health needs for patients.

Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is usually elective and not medically necessary; it is primarily performed for aesthetic reasons rather than to address health issues. Therefore, it does not fall under the essential health benefits that insurance plans are required to provide. Understanding what constitutes essential health benefits is crucial for both consumers and professionals in the health insurance field, as it informs what services must be covered by mandated policies in order to ensure comprehensive health care access.