IOM Recommends HHS Use Affordability as Key Criteria for Essential Health Benefits Package

On October 7, 2011, the Institute on Medicine (IOM) recommended that the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) use affordability as the key criteria for the essential health benefits (EHB) packages to be offered by health insurance plans available through health insurance exchanges. HHS is in the process of developing its proposed EHB package for public comment. The EHB proposed rule is slated for release in 2012. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires health plans for individuals and small businesses to offer EHBs in 10 general categories, including emergency services, behavioral health treatment, and . . .