What is an example of a mandatory benefit that must be offered by health insurance providers?

Preventive services are a mandatory benefit that health insurance providers must offer, as they play a crucial role in maintaining public health and reducing long-term healthcare costs. These services include essential screenings, vaccinations, and annual check-ups that help identify health issues early on and promote wellness. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act has made many preventive services free to patients, thereby ensuring that broader access to these services promotes early detection and intervention.

In contrast, vision care, dental care, and cosmetic surgery are not universally mandated as fundamental benefits across all health insurance plans. While some plans may cover vision and dental care, they aren't required to do so by law. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is generally considered elective and is not included as a standard benefit for health insurance providers. Thus, preventive services stand out as a foundational component of health insurance coverage, focused on proactive healthcare management.