What type of health plan qualifies as minimum essential coverage (MEC)?

Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) is defined by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and refers to health insurance coverage that meets the established standards set forth by the legislation. A catastrophic plan qualifies as MEC because it provides essential health benefits and covers a range of services such as preventive care, hospitalization, and emergency services, albeit with higher deductibles and lower premium costs.

Catastrophic plans are designed for young individuals or those who are exempt from other ACA mandates, providing a safety net for serious health issues while still adhering to the ACA's requirements for comprehensive coverage. Therefore, they fulfill the criteria to be classified as MEC.

In contrast, short-term plans and limited benefit plans do not qualify as MEC because they are designed to provide temporary coverage or limited benefits and often do not meet the comprehensive health needs outlined in the ACA. High-deductible plans may qualify as MEC if they are part of a Qualified Health Plan, but not all high-deductible plans automatically meet the requirements, depending on their specific structure and benefits.