What preventive care services for women are covered at no cost under the Affordable Care Act?
Under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive care services for women are covered at no cost. This includes screenings for heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Heart disease prevention includes free blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Cancer services cover early screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Women at high risk for breast cancer can also get genetic testing, counseling, and preventive drugs without copays or deductibles. Tobacco cessation programs and medications are also covered. For osteoporosis, women over 65, and some younger women at risk, can get free screening tests. Pregnant women can receive free screenings for conditions like anemia and gestational diabetes, and folic acid supplements are covered. Contraception, including all FDA-approved methods and counseling, is covered under most plans. Annual well-woman visits are also covered to ensure necessary preventive care and tests.