Understanding Preventive Services That Are Covered for Free

Take Care of YOU — Without the Extra Cost!

Did you know that many health insurance plans cover preventive services at no cost to you? Yep — that means $0 copay and no deductible for things like checkups, vaccines, screenings, and more.

Preventive care is all about catching things early — or preventing them altogether — so you stay healthy and avoid future medical bills. Let’s dive into what’s included and how to make the most of it!

What Are Preventive Services?

Preventive services are routine health care services that help prevent illnesses, detect health problems early, and keep you on track with your wellness goals. Think of it as your health’s early warning system.

These are typically covered 100% free if you have a health plan through the Marketplace, Medicaid expansion, Medicare, or employer coverage that complies with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

🔗 More on what’s covered: https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/

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Examples of Free Preventive Services for Adults

• Annual wellness checkups

• Blood pressure screenings

• Cholesterol checks

• Type 2 diabetes screening (if you’re at risk)

• Depression screenings

• Certain cancer screenings (like colorectal and lung cancer for eligible ages)

• HIV and STI screening

• Vaccines (flu shot, COVID-19, hepatitis, shingles, etc.)

• Tobacco cessation counseling

• Obesity screenings and counseling

• Alcohol misuse counseling

  
  

  💡 Be sure to visit an in-network provider — that’s key to getting these services for free! Also verify the coverage for your plan.

Free Preventive Services for Women

• Well-woman visits

• Birth control (including counseling and most FDA-approved contraceptives)

• Breast cancer mammography screenings

• Cervical cancer screenings (Pap smear and HPV testing)

• Prenatal visits

• Gestational diabetes screening

• Folic acid supplements (for those who may become pregnant)

• Breastfeeding support and supplies

Full list here:🔗 https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/

Free Preventive Services for Children

• Well-child visits

• Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, chickenpox, etc.)

• Vision and hearing screenings

• Autism screening

• Developmental screening

• Iron and lead testing

• Behavioral assessments

• Oral health risk assessments

Full list for kids and teens:🔗 https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-children/

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What’s the Catch? A Few Things to Know

1. Must be in-network: These services are free only when you see a provider in your insurance plan’s network.

2. No diagnosis = no charge: If the service is purely preventive (e.g., a routine screening), you won’t be charged. But if something is diagnosed or treated during that visit, there may be fees.

3. Frequency matters: Some services are only covered every few years or for certain age groups.

   
   

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Why You Should Use Preventive Services

• They help you stay ahead of potential health issues

• They save you money in the long run

• They offer peace of mind

• They keep you on track with health goals

It’s your right to access these services — so take advantage!

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💬 Final Thoughts

Preventive care is all about putting YOU first — before anything becomes a bigger issue. Your insurance wants you to stay healthy, and you totally deserve to live your best, healthiest life.

So schedule that checkup. Get that screening. Take that vaccine. You’ve got this — and it’s FREE!