Which benefit is typically not considered an essential health benefit?

The benefit that is typically not considered an essential health benefit is cosmetic surgery. Essential health benefits are a set of health care service categories that must be covered by certain plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These benefits are designed to ensure that individuals have access to necessary services that address a wide range of health needs.

Cosmetic surgery, which is intended primarily for aesthetic improvement rather than for medical necessity, generally falls outside of the essential health benefits. Most insurance plans that comply with ACA requirements do not include coverage for procedures that are primarily cosmetic, focusing instead on services that provide necessary care for physical or mental health conditions.

On the other hand, emergency services, chiropractic care, and prescription drugs are covered as essential health benefits because they address critical health issues and provide necessary treatment options for patients. These services contribute directly to the health and well-being of individuals, making them integral to comprehensive health insurance coverage.