As you may know, the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Health Care Reform law) includes changes that are being phased in over a number of years. The latest set of changes includes additional benefits for certain Women’s Preventive Health Services.
When plans renew or are effective on or after August 1, 2012, all of the following women’s health services will be considered preventive (some were already covered with certain plan options). These services generally will be covered at no cost share, when provided in-network:
• Well-woman visits
• Screening for gestational diabetes
• Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Counseling for sexually transmitted infections
• Screening and counseling for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling
• Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling
• Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence
Generic formulary contraceptives, certain brand formulary contraceptives, and FDA-approved, over-the-counter female contraceptives with prescription are covered without member cost share (for example, no copayment). Certain religious organizations or religious employers may be exempt from offering contraceptive services.
For more details on the amendment and the additional preventive care services for women, visit: www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines.