We all know that health insurance policies are required to cover preventative care services like the flu shot. But did you know that there is a whole list of preventative services that are specific only to women?
Under qualified health insurance plans, women cannot be charged a copay for certain services even if they haven’t yet reached their yearly deductibles. Health care expenses like the following six services are completely covered.
- Contraception
The U.S. government has recently released a document clearly stating that all plans and insurers “must cover without cost sharing at least one form of contraception in each of the methods (currently 18) that the FDA has identified for women in its current Birth Control Guide.” The 18 contraceptive methods approved by the FDA include:
- Surgical sterilization
- Implant sterilization
- Implantable rod
- IUD – copper
- IUD – progestin
- Injection
- Oral contraceptives – combined
- Oral contraceptives – progestin only
- Oral contraceptives – extended/continuous use
- Patch
- Vaginal ring
- Diaphragm
- Sponge
- Cervical cap
- Female condom
- Spermicide
- Emergency contraception – progestin
- Emergency contraception – Ulipristal Acetate
- Cervical Cancer Screenings
Cervical cancer kills more than 4,000 women each year in the U.S., even though it’s widely considered to be one of the most preventable types of cancer. One reason the death rate is so high is because in many cases, cervical cancer is not detected early enough. That is why screenings are so important for women. - Well-Woman Visits
A well-woman visit is an annual physical to discuss your health with your physician in order to identify serious health issues before they become life-threatening. Services include pap smears, colon cancer screening, obesity screening, and preventative shots for the flu, pneumonia, and tetanus. - Breastfeeding Support
New moms can work with trained providers for help with breastfeeding. - Mammograms
Mammograms are an important screening procedure to check for signs of breast cancer. Studies show that getting a mammography screening every two years for women aged 65 to 74 has been proven to reduce breast cancer-related deaths. - Domestic Violence Screening and Counseling
This service provides women with the help they need if they are in an unhealthy relationship and/or have experienced domestic abuse.
If you have not signed up for a health insurance plan, do so immediately. By taking advantage of all these vital preventative care services, you are just one step closer to living the healthy lifestyle you deserve.
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