Qualified Health Benefit Plan


A Qualified Health Benefits Plan is a healthcare plan that follows rules included in the proposed Affordable [Health Care for America Act], preceded by America's [Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009]. These rules include offering a standard set of services, which includes hospital and outpatient care, mental health, prevention, well-child care, and maternity care.
H.R. 3962 would require private insurance plans and the public [health insurance option] to adhere to a set of standards:
  • Guaranteed renewal of insurance
  • Guaranteed acceptance, regardless of a person's current health or health history.
  • A cap on out-of-pocket costs
  • Allow the use of affordability credits so that those with lower incomes can afford insurance
  • Competition in the market place and efficiency requirements for private plans to bring the cost of premiums down
It also requires that the public plan be national – available everywhere in the United States.