Which requirement must be met for a health insurance plan to be considered qualified?

For a health insurance plan to be deemed qualified, it is essential that the plan include non-discriminatory benefits. This means that the benefits provided must not discriminate against individuals based on factors such as health status, gender, or any other characteristic, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all policyholders. Non-discriminatory benefits are a key requirement in various healthcare regulations and help to promote fairness and inclusion among insured individuals, aligning with the overarching goals of public health policy.

The other options listed do not directly pertain to the qualifications of a health insurance plan. While having a marketing department may assist in promoting the plan, it is not a regulatory requirement. Availability to everyone is a noble goal, yet it does not encapsulate the comprehensive standards needed for a plan to be classified as qualified. As for optional riders, while they can enhance coverage, the presence or absence of such riders does not affect the fundamental qualification status of the health plan. Thus, non-discriminatory benefits stand as a critical aspect of qualification criteria in health insurance.