Preventive Services Covered by Private Health Plans Under the Affordable Care Act

Download or read book Preventive Services Covered by Private Health Plans Under the Affordable Care Act written by and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 3 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires private insurers (including selffunded employers) -- with the exception of so-called "grandfathered" plans -- to cover certain preventive services without any patient cost-sharing. With proper preventive care, health problems can often be identified earlier, managed more effectively, and treated before they develop into more complicated, debilitating illness. Research has shown that evidence-based preventive services can in many cases save lives, and that some services are also cost-effective. Despite long-standing recommendations for use of evidence-based preventive services for a wide range of health conditions, actual utilization varies substantially. While a number of factors contribute to use of preventive services, out of-pocket costs in the form of copayments and deductibles can act as a barrier, keeping even the insured from seeking recommended screenings, counseling, and immunizations.