regarding exchange or off exchange plans all are required to cover the 10 essential health benefits outlined under the law. if you don't qualify for a subsidy it's probably a good idea to also shop plans that are off exchange because you'll have more options from which to choose and you'll likely find that the provider networks are much broader than plans sold through the exchange.
what's the difference between health insurance plans offered on the exchanges and "private" plans off of the exchanges? . are the "off exchange" plans now required to cover all of the same "essential benefits" as those under the aca?