Health Insurance Basics
What is minimum essential coverage?
Minimum essential coverage (MEC) is health insurance that satisfies the ACA's individual mandate. MEC includes: employer-sponsored coverage, ACA marketplace plans, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, and VA coverage. Short-term health plans do not qualify as MEC.
Key Points
- MEC: health insurance that satisfies the ACA individual mandate
- Includes: employer-sponsored coverage, ACA marketplace plans, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, VA
- Short-term health plans: do not qualify as MEC
- State individual mandate states require MEC
- An independent agent can help you find plans that qualify as MEC