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Health · Chapter 15 · Statutes

Minimum Essential Coverage ('Skinny') Plan

Definition
A limited-benefit plan that technically satisfies the ACA's minimum-essential-coverage employer requirement — typically covering only preventive/wellness care. It does NOT provide minimum VALUE (60% of costs + substantial inpatient/physician coverage), so employees may still qualify for premium tax credits.
Exam tip
Minimum essential COVERAGE ≠ minimum VALUE. Skinny plans have the first, not the second.
Easy to confuse with

These are what this term gets tested against — if you can't tell them apart cold, drill the contrast.

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Verified against primary sources · 2026-08-05