One beneficial change the Affordable Care Act brought about was the complete coverage of preventative care. With all approved insurance plans and Marketplace plans, several preventative services such as shots and screenings are provided at no cost to the policyholder.

Preventative Services For Adults

Marketplace plans and other insurance plans are required to cover a specific range of preventative services. If a policyholder has an annual deductible to meet and has not yet met it, these services are still provided for free. They must be administered by an in-network provider. 

The following list includes covered services:

• One abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men of certain ages who have smoked.
• Blood pressure screenings for adults of all ages.
• Aspirin for men and women of all ages for prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• Colorectal cancer screenings for any adults over the age of 50.
• Cholesterol screenings for adults in specific age and risk groups.
• Alcohol misuse counseling and screenings for adults of all ages.
• Diet counseling for adults in risk groups for chronic diseases.
• Depression screenings for adults of all ages.
• Type 2 Diabetes screenings for adults who have high blood pressure.
• HIV and Hepatitis C screenings for adults in specific age and risk groups.
• Immunizations and booster shots for infectious diseases and viruses.
• Lung cancer screenings for adults who are at risk.
• STI prevention counseling for adults who are at risk.
• Obesity counseling for adults of all ages.
• Tobacco screenings and cessation services for adults who are tobacco users.
• Syphilis screenings for adults who are at risk.

Preventative Services For Women

In addition to any applicable services in the previous section, women also receive the following free preventative services:

• Anemia screenings for pregnant women.
• Breast cancer mammography every one to two years for women over the age of 40.
• BRCA counseling and chemo prevention counseling for at-risk women.
• Breastfeeding support and counseling for nursing women.
• Chlamydia screenings for young and at-risk women.
• Cervical cancer screenings for women of all ages who are sexually active.
• Domestic violence screenings and counseling for all women.
• Contraceptives and sterilization for women of all ages.
• Gestational diabetes screenings for pregnant women.
• Folic acid for women who are or who may become pregnant.
• Hepatitis B screenings for pregnant women.
• Gonorrhea screenings for at-risk women.
• Rh incompatibility screenings for pregnant women.
• UTI screenings for pregnant women.
• Osteoporosis screenings for at-risk women over the age of 60.
• Well-woman visits for women under the age of 65. 

Preventative Services For Children

Children receive a wide array of free preventative services. The following are included in all ACA-compliant policies: 

• Autism screenings at 18 and 24 months.
• Blood pressure screenings for children of all ages.
• Alcohol and drug screenings for adolescents.
• Behavioral assessments for children of all ages.
• Immunizations and booster shots for children of all approved ages.
• Depression screenings for adolescents.
• Cervical dysplasia screenings for girls who are sexually active.
• Height, BMI and weight measurements for children of all ages.
• Dyslipidemia screenings for at-risk children.
• Hearing screenings for all newborn babies.
• Developmental screenings for children under the age of three.
• HIV screenings for at-risk adolescents.
• Gonorrhea prevention medication for all newborn babies.
• Iron for children who are at risk for developing anemia.
• Hypothyroidism screenings for all newborn babies.
• Oral health screenings for children under the age of 10.
• Fluoride supplements for children who are deficient.
• Hemoglobinopathies and sickle cell screenings for at-risk newborns. 
• Obesity screenings and counseling for children of all ages.
• Lead screenings for at-risk children.
• Hematocrit screenings for at-risk children.
• Medical history for children of all ages.
• TB testing for children of all ages.
• PKU screenings for all newborn babies.
• STI prevention counseling for at-risk adolescents.
• Vision screenings for children of all ages.

To determine at-risk classifications and specific age groups, check an individual policy. For answers to questions, discuss any concerns with us.