Defined as “measures taken to prevent disease, rather than treat it after it has already developed” (American Medical Association).
It is important to note that preventive care is different from wellness care, which is focused on maximizing health and well-being.
Preventive coverage may include vaccinations, screenings for cancer or other diseases, and counseling on lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing certain chronic conditions.
Benefits
There are many benefits to preventive health care.
It can help to catch diseases early when they are most treatable. It can also help people to avoid developing serious health problems in the first place, this has been shown to save lives and improve health outcomes.
While the concept of preventive health care is simple, making it a reality can be complex.
It requires coordination among patients, providers, and payers (e.g., insurers). It also requires that people have access to quality care and that they take advantage of opportunities to receive preventive coverage.
How to Get Preventive Health Care Through Health Insurance?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover preventive services without requiring a copayment or coinsurance.
This means that you can get certain screenings, vaccinations, and other services for free.
These services can help you stay healthy and avoid large medical bills in the future.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about which preventive services are right for you.
Some plans may have additional requirements, such as a waiting period or prior authorization from your doctor. Check with your health insurance company to see what is covered under your plan.
For more further details Marketplace America licensed agents are available to discuss health plans, cost, and coverage options. They have access to the federal government website-managed marketplace.
FAQ: Answering Your Preventive Care Questions
What Are Some of the Examples of Preventive Care?
Here are some examples of preventive services that most plans must cover without cost of copayment or coinsurance:
-Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men and women who have ever smoked
-Blood pressure screening for adults
-Cholesterol screening for adults
-Colorectal cancer screening for adults 50 and older
-Depression screening for adults
-Type 2 diabetes
Does Medicare Services Offer Preventive Coverage?
Yes, Medicare covers a variety of preventive services.
What is the Difference Between Wellness and Preventive Care?
Wellness care is focused on maximizing health and well-being. It often includes screenings for things like cancer, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Preventive health care is focused on measures taken to prevent disease, rather than treat it after it has already developed.
Is Preventive Care in My Plan's Network?
Preventive coverage is typically covered in-network. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your plan to be sure.
When Can I Get Preventive Care?
Preventive services are typically covered once every 12 months. However, some services, such as vaccinations, may be covered more frequently.