Health insurance on the Marketplace covers important preventive services that keep you healthy and help you save money in the long run. These preventive services are free with no co-pay or deductible, thanks to new health care law protections called Essential Health Benefits (EHB). This includes screenings and tests, such as mammograms and flu shots, which can help detect diseases early on so they can be treated quickly and more effectively—helping to save you time, money, and worry down the road.
Recommended immunizations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. Other recommended immunizations depend on your age, health conditions, occupation, lifestyle, and travel habits. Your doctor can help you decide which vaccines are right for you. You may also be eligible to receive these at no cost under the Affordable Care Act:
Physical exams
An annual physical exam is an important way to prevent health problems, identify risk factors for disease, and catch health problems early when they’re most treatable. Your physical exam will likely include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and some routine tests.
Breast cancer screenings
Preventive screenings like mammograms can help catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer screenings can reduce the risk of dying from the disease by up to 39%.
But breast cancer isn’t the only reason to get screened. Regular screenings can also help prevent cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and more.
So what preventive services does your Marketplace plan cover? Here’s a list of 10:
Wellness visits
You know preventive care is important – it can help you stay healthy and catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat. And starting this year, new health insurance plans must cover certain preventive services without charging you a copayment or coinsurance. This means more free screenings and vaccinations, and more reasons to visit your doctor or other health care professional.
Maternity care
If you’re pregnant or thinking about starting a family, you’ll want to know what preventive care is covered under your health insurance plan. All Marketplace plans must cover certain preventive services for women at no cost to you, including Mammograms Breastfeeding support and supplies (supplies include breast pumps) Vaccines: Shots recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be available through your plan at no charge
Birth control counseling
If you’re of reproductive age, you can get birth control counseling as a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act. That means your insurance company must provide this service without charging you a co-pay or deductible. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re taking care of yourself by learning about what types of contraception are best for you. The Affordable Care Act also requires insurers to cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptives with no out-of-pocket costs.
Diabetes screenings and treatment
If you have diabetes, screenings and treatment can help prevent serious health complications. That’s why most Marketplace plans cover diabetes screenings at no cost to you. And if you need treatment, some plans may cover it at little or no cost to you as well.
Depression screenings and treatment
Depression is a common mental health disorder that can have a profound impact on your ability to function in daily life. While it can be difficult to talk about, depression screenings and treatment are an important part of maintaining your mental health. The Affordable Care Act requires all new plans cover screening for depression with no cost-sharing, so if you experience symptoms like fatigue or changes in appetite as well as mood shifts like hopelessness or irritability contact your doctor. For some people these symptoms will not be relieved by talking to their doctor alone and may require more intensive care such as psychotherapy or antidepressants; these should also be covered by your insurance without cost-sharing.
Asthma management
If you have asthma, you know how important it is to have a good management plan in place. And if you don’t have asthma, you might not know that there are many different types of preventive care that can help keep you healthy. Some examples include flu shots, diabetes screening, cholesterol screening, and mammograms. All these screenings can be covered at no cost with your marketplace health insurance coverage!
Alcohol misuse screening, counseling, and referral
Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can be bad for your health. But did you know that it can also lead to other problems like car accidents, violence, and chronic diseases? That’s why it’s important to get screened for alcohol misuse. With counseling and referral, you can get the help you need to stay safe and healthy.