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Health & Fitness

Required Preventive Health Services for Women expand August 1

Discussion about health reform continues.

Health insurance carriers are moving to add preventive services for women to the list already implemented last year as required by law. The following services must be covered without any added copays or coinsurances as they have been deemed to be preventive in nature.  

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and more specifically their Health Resources and Services Administration determined this list.

Make sure you check with your specific carrier. There could be exceptions:

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  • Well-women 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


Discussion about health reform continues. As noted above, many provisions of the new law are being implemented. Exceptions include the exchanges (state by state), Medicaid enhancements, and “Class” (Long Term Care). Tax increases will of course be implemented.

Just to summarize, this aspect of the law makes it a requirement that these services are provided without any copay or coinsurance (no cost sharing).  

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Previously, these services did receive coverage in the context of the members overall health plan depending on the specific benefits purchased. 

For more information visit the Health Resources and Services Administration Website.

Editor's Note: is a health, long-term care and life insurance professional, and blogger for Cumming Patch.

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