Improvements to health coverage have been one of the hallmarks of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which mandates that all insurance plans cover certain health benefits.
This has been especially important for women. For example, contraception and maternity care are covered in ACA plans at no additional charge. In fact, well-women annual examsare covered with no co-pays or co-insurance costs when provided by an in-network provider. And deductibles don’t apply for these services either.
Other required benefits include breastfeeding equipment, HPV testing and domestic violence screenings.
In addition, all ACA healthcare policies and Medicaid plans cover pregnancy and childbirth, which are considered “essential health benefits.” In fact, all qualified health plans both inside and outside the health marketplace must cover them.
What exactly is a well-woman yearly check-up? It’s where you can talk to your health provider about your health and get preventive screenings, including for:
- Certain types of cancer
- HPV (human papillomavirus), which can lead to cervical cancer`
- HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) DYK? Regular Pap tests lower the number of new cervical cancers and deaths by more than 80%.
- High blood pressure and cholesterol. DYK? More than 75% of women 40-60 years of age have at least one risk factor for heart disease.
- Diabetes Osteoporosis (weak bones)
- Depression
- Domestic violence
For a complete list of all #PreventiveCare offered women, go to: https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/
In between visits, check out these “Healthtips” for a healthier you all year and all life long: http://go.usa.gov/x9JSz
Do you still have questions about what your healthcare policy covers? The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida’s federally licensed healthcare navigators are here to help! You can call our toll-free statewide number at 877-553-7453 to schedule an appointment with a navigator. More information is also available at www.efof.org/acanavigation.
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