What is required of non-grandfathered health plans under the ACA?

Non-grandfathered health plans are required to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements to ensure that they provide essential health benefits and protect consumers. These plans, which are those that have changed their benefits or costs since the ACA was enacted, must adhere to specific mandates, such as not imposing annual or lifetime limits on essential health benefits, covering preventive services without cost-sharing, and allowing young adults to remain on their parents' plans until age 26.

This compliance is crucial as it establishes standards for the availability and affordability of health insurance, enhances consumer protections, and aimed to expand coverage to more individuals. In contrast, grandfathered plans, which were in existence before the ACA and have maintained their original benefits and terms, are not required to meet all of these specifications.

This concept of compliance ensures that non-grandfathered health plans contribute to a healthier, more equitable healthcare system by offering comprehensive benefits to their enrollees.