Did We Mention They’re Free?

ACA Plans offer many preventative health benefits for women

You can get a lot of care to help you stay healthy—and catch problems early.

Ever had an “It can’t be that easy” but “Yes, it really was that easy” moment in life? That’s what using preventative health benefits through an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plan can be. It’s as simple as tightening a gas cap and having the check engine light turn off. Or plugging in an appliance you think didn’t work.

Within Marketplace plans you’ll find free preventative health services for all adults, plus specific services for children and women. Considered part of essential coverage, they’re mandated to be included in all plans offered on the ACA exchanges.

IMPORTANT: These services are available to you free—literally at NO COST to you. There is no copayment or coinsurance charge, even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible.

Here’s What You Can Get:

A wide range of services and benefits are available for women of all ages. Here are 15, along with recommendations for how often they should be done:

1. Well-woman visits, including Pap tests and pelvic exams. Once a year.
2. Breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms. Every 2 years.
3. Screenings and counseling for sexually transmitted infections. As needed.
4. Screenings and counseling for domestic violence. Annually or when needed.
5. Screening for gestational diabetes for pregnant women. After 24 weeks.
6. Urinary incontinence screening. Annually.
7. HPV testing for cervical cancer. Every 5 years for ages 25 to 65.
8. Colorectal cancer, screening. All adults beginning at age 45.
9. Screenings for HIV/AIDS. At least once for everyone 15 to 65, and annually if at higher risk.
10. Screening and counseling for depression. Especially for new mothers at well-baby visits.
11. Screening for alcohol and drug misuse. All adults at routine visits.
12. Vaccinations, such as flu shots, COVID primary series and boosters and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. See the CDC’s immunization schedule.
13. Bone density screening. After menopause or age 65.
14. Contraception, such as birth control pills, shots, and implants.
15. Breastfeeding support and supplies.

Prioritize With Your Doctor

Preventative health services help you find illnesses before they cause problems. Early knowledge allows for faster treatment. Your quality of life improves, plus you reduce the risk of getting really sick or even dying. You’ll want to discuss the services that are right for you with your doctor.

While there are no cost-shares for preventative services, be aware there may be for additional tests and treatment. What you pay will vary according to which ACA plan metal level you select. For example, in a Bronze plan, you’d pay about 40% of any costs, 30% in a Silver plan, 20% in a Gold plan and 10% in a Platinum plan. If in doubt about your cost shares, always ask.

You may find additional benefits like dental or vision coverage in higher metal level plans, like Gold or Platinum. While not mandated, they are also important preventative health care.

Which Doctor You Choose Matters

Your ACA preventative services are free only when they are delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network. Using an out-of-network doctor will cost you money. Be sure to check your doctor’s network status when making your appointment.

Save Money—and Maybe Even Your Life

Get the most out of preventative services and benefits. With Indigo, you can easily research the best marketplace health plans in your area. And like the ACA preventative benefits, it’s FREE to use.

You can enroll in a Marketplace plan anytime you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. Having a baby, getting married, losing other coverage or moving to a new zip code are examples of events that qualify you for a Special Enrollment period. Open Enrollment begins November 1 each year.