WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today applauded the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for issuing requirements that insurance companies will have to follow under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new rules issued today outline requirements for insurance companies in three areas:  market reforms, wellness programs and essential health benefits. 

 “I want to commend the Obama Administration for developing these very important guidelines that insurance companies must follow so that all Americans will have access to health coverage that is affordable, comprehensive and reliable.  These new rules mean that Maryland will continue to move forward in setting up health care exchanges so that all Marylanders will have affordable health care that include guaranteed benefits, including important preventive services.  These new rules also guarantee fair pricing of health care premium and lower priced options premiums for young adults. 

“I have been a long time advocate of pediatric dental care for our nation’s children and I am particularly pleased that a pediatric dental benefit is included as part of the essential health package or as part of stand-alone dental plans.”