Free Preventive Care: Services Your Insurance Must Cover at No Cost
Under the ACA, dozens of preventive services are covered at 100% with no copay or deductible. Make sure you're using them.
What Is Covered at 100%?
The Affordable Care Act requires all non-grandfathered health plans to cover certain preventive services at no cost to you — no copay, no coinsurance, and no deductible. This includes marketplace, employer, and individual plans.
Preventive Services for All Adults
- Annual wellness visits and checkups
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening
- Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy) starting at age 45
- Depression and anxiety screening
- Immunizations (flu shot, COVID, Tdap, shingles, etc.)
- HIV and STI screening
- Lung cancer screening for high-risk adults
- Obesity screening and counseling
Women's Preventive Services
- Mammograms starting at age 40
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear)
- Contraception (all FDA-approved methods)
- Prenatal care visits
- Breastfeeding support and supplies
- Domestic violence screening
Important Caveat: Screening vs Diagnostic
Preventive screenings are free, but if something is found during the screening (like a polyp during a colonoscopy), the procedure may be reclassified as "diagnostic" with cost-sharing. This is a controversial billing practice — check with your insurer beforehand.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making healthcare or insurance decisions.