<P> Guaranteed issue prohibits insurers from denying coverage to individuals due to pre-existing conditions . States were required to ensure the availability of insurance for individual children who did not have coverage via their families . </P> <P> Premiums must be the same for everyone of a given age, regardless of preexisting conditions . Premiums are allowed to vary by enrollee age, but those for the oldest enrollees (age 45--64 average expenses $5,542) can only be three times as large as those for adults (18--24 $1,836). </P> <P> The National Academy of Medicine defines the law's "essential health benefits" as "ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care" and others rated Level A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force . In determining what would qualify as an essential benefit, the law required that standard benefits should offer at least that of a "typical employer plan". States may require additional services . </P> <P> One provision in the law mandates that health insurance cover "additional preventive care and screenings" for women . The guidelines issued by the Health Resources and Services Administration to implement this provision mandate "(a) ll Food and Drug Administration approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity". This mandate applies to all employers and educational institutions except for religious organizations . These regulations were included on the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine . </P>

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