Essential Health Benefits

A set of health care service categories that must be covered by certain plans, starting in 2014.

All plans offered on Maryland Health Connection must cover Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) such as hospitalizations, doctor visits, prescription drugs, rehabilitation and mental health services, maternity and newborn care. Other EHBs include emergency care, pediatric care, including dental and vision benefits and laboratory tests.  All plans must also cover preventive and wellness care, as well as chronic disease management, at no extra cost to you, including: flu and pneumonia shots, birth control, routine vaccinations and screenings for cancer, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.