Several changes went into effect today, as part of the controversial Affordable Health Care Act. The major difference: government data shows about 47 million women now have guaranteed access to additional preventative services without paying more at the doctor's office.
Research shows chronic diseases are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths among Americans each year, and account for 75% of the nation's health spending. Many chronic diseases are preventable with preventative care.
President Obama signed the Affordable Health Care Act into law on March 23, 2010, in part to help make preventative care more affordable and accessible. The hope is to make that happen by requiring health plans to cover recommended preventative services without co-pays , co-insurance or deductibles.
Government data shows the new law opened preventative services to 54 million Americans with private health insurance last year.
The Department of Health and Human Services adopted additional Guidelines for Women's Preventative Services on August 1, 2011. The additional services include well-woman visits, support for breastfeeding equipment, contraception, and screening and counseling services for domestic violence – all provided at no cost, starting today. The guidelines were recommended by the independent Institute of Medicine.
You can read more about the changes, including a breakdown of what it could mean for you, by clicking here.
