Which of the following features is included in the Affordable Care Act's definition of patient-centered medical homes?

The definition of patient-centered medical homes (PCMH) as outlined by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) emphasizes several key features aimed at improving patient care and outcomes, with expanded access to healthcare being a critical component. This approach prioritizes making healthcare more accessible to patients, ensuring they can receive timely and appropriate care.

PCMH designs are created to facilitate comprehensive, coordinated care that responds to patients' needs. By ensuring expanded access, such as extended office hours, telehealth options, and streamlined appointment scheduling, patients can better engage with their healthcare providers.

The other features listed in the choices do not align with the core principles of PCMH. Mandatory insurance provider requirements relate more to regulations than direct healthcare delivery improvements. While the ACA aims to reduce overall medical costs, reducing costs for all services is not specifically a feature of PCMHs. Additionally, patient-centered medical homes actively promote patient participation in their care, which directly contradicts the idea of limited involvement. Therefore, expanded access to healthcare stands out as the most fitting feature within the ACA's vision of patient-centered medical homes.