Which of the following is not considered an essential health benefit (EHB) under the ACA?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), essential health benefits are a set of health care service categories that must be covered by certain plans. These benefits ensure that individuals have access to critical medical services. The essential health benefits include ten categories: ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric services.

Grooming services do not fall under these mandated categories. While personal appearance services may be important to individuals, they are not recognized as medically necessary health services that must be covered by insurance plans. As such, grooming services are not included in the essential health benefits, distinguishing them from services like emergency services, hospitalization, and preventive care, all of which are crucial for maintaining health and wellness.