Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
A Qualified Health Plan (QHP) is best defined as a health plan that:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
A Qualified Health Plan is a plan certified by a health benefit exchange (such as Covered California) as meeting ACA requirements: it must provide the essential health benefits, comply with cost-sharing limits, and be offered to all applicants through guaranteed issue. QHPs are the plans sold on the individual and small-group exchanges. The exam distinguishes QHP, MEC, and EHB as related but distinct ACA concepts.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Not every employer plan is a QHP; certification by an exchange and EHB compliance are required.
- C) Catastrophic plans are a separate, limited category and are not the definition of a QHP.
- D) QHPs are fully subject to, not exempt from, individual market rules.
Memory hook
QHP = the exchange's certified seal of approval: EHB in, consumer protections in, gate open to all.