Glossary · Marketplace
What is minimum essential coverage (MEC)?
Minimum essential coverage is any insurance plan that meets the Affordable Care Act requirement for having health coverage, such as Marketplace plans, job-based plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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MEC: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Marketplace plans, job-based plans, Medicare, Medicaid | HealthCare.gov glossary: Minimum essential coverage (MEC) |
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What does MEC mean in health insurance?
Minimum essential coverage is any insurance plan that meets the Affordable Care Act requirement for having health coverage, such as Marketplace plans, job-based plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.