The Department of Labor's report on employer-sponsored health coverage, submitted Friday, is part of an effort to help the Department of Health and Human Services identify and define essential health benefits that must be offered by qualified health plans.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released this statement following DOL's report submission:

"I want to thank Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and her staff for submitting this report on employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, as required by the Affordable Care Act. "The Affordable Care Act ensures Americans have access to quality, affordable health insurance. To achieve this goal, the law ensures plans offered in the new Health Insurance Exchanges, and in the individual and small group markets, offer a package of essential health benefits that are equal in scope to what employers typically offer today.