Many people view healthcare as something that’s necessary after getting sick or injured. The truth is, healthcare is something that should be a part of your everyday life. Doctors should be seen routinely, even when well, to ensure your continued health. For this reason, the Affordable Care Act has mandated that certain universal preventative services must be offered for free, with no co-payments and no deductibles. Why? Encouraging people to be more proactive with their healthcare will lead to a healthier nation.
Many health insurance plans have already adopted this piece of the ACA, but all policies must include them starting in January 2014. As long as you visit in-network physicians to receive preventative services, they will be administered at no cost, even if you have not yet met your yearly deductible. Preventative services include, but are not limited to:
- Breast cancer mammography screening
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Annual checkups
- Blood pressure screening
- Anemia screening
- Cholesterol screening
- Osteoporosis screening
- Diabetes (Type 2) screening
- Gestational diabetes screening
- A variety of immunizations
- Urinary tract or other infection screening
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
- Contraception methods and counseling
- Preventive health services for children
- A variety of immunizations
- Vision screening
- Developmental screening and behavioral assessments
- Autism screening
- Sickle cell screening
When these preventative services are free for everyone, there will be no more need to choose between getting a checkup and paying your electric bill. With more people receiving annual checkups, more health issues have a chance of being caught early, which is an important step toward successful treatment.
If you have questions about what services are or are not covered for free, call your independent agent for more information. During this time of great change, many Americans are confused about what the ACA will mean from them specifically. Our goal is make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your family so you can stay happy and healthy for years to come.
Your health matters to us. Call Sound Benefit Solutions at (925) 244-1330 for more information on San Francisco health insurance.