health insurance; requirements; essential benefits

SB 1668 requires health insurers in Arizona to cover essential health benefits - including hospital care, mental health services, preventive care, and prescription drugs - without cost-sharing for recommended preventive services. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage, charging higher premiums, or imposing annual/lifetime limits based on preexisting conditions or health status, and mandates that dependent coverage continues until age 26. The law applies to individual, short-term, and small employer group health plans, and requires clear disclosures for short-term insurance about coverage gaps compared to federal standards. This bill aims to standardize comprehensive coverage and prevent discriminatory practices by insurers.