Is Your Preventitive Healthcare Free?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) And What It Means To You.


Effective September 23, 2010 insurers are prohibited from charging co-payments or deductibles for Level A or Level B preventive care and medical screenings on all new insurance plans.



How long have you been on your current plan and is this a significant enough development to warrant considering a change to a new plan?



The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force publishes it's list of recommendations that must be considered covered preventative care and include such things as:



Blood pressure screening in adults

Cervical cancer screening

Colorectal cancer screening

Diabetes screening

Osteoporosis screening: women

Cholesterol abnormalities

Obesity screening



For a complete list as well as full descriptions go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsabrecs.htm



For many people wellness is the only cost that they routinely encounter on a yearly basis and many existing policies provide for some basic preventative care but is it adequate to meet your needs? And, if it isn't, should you consider changing to a plan that includes the mandated preventative care features?



Of course there are other considerations that must be taken into account before you decide to look for a new plan.



Has anyone in the family been diagnosed with any medical condition that was not present at the time of your application to your current insurer?



Have preexisting conditions worsened or have your medications changed?



Has anyone in the family had a surgery or been hospitalized?



Are your current premiums still competitive or could you save money by switching to another plan?



With all the changes to health care that have already taken place and in light of all the changes we have seen with individual insurance companies it's a good idea to speak with an insurance broker who deals with a wide range of companies to ensure that you are getting the most comprehensive information so that you can make the most informed choice.