Preventive care

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To be your healthiest you, it is important that you regularly see your doctor and discuss preventive care to help you avoid serious illnesses or diseases. Routine checkups and screenings can help you avoid serious health problems by working with your doctor to help you reach your personal health and wellness goals.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care includes immunizations, screenings, counseling and education to help prevent or minimize the effects of serious health conditions at no extra cost to you. The appropriate preventive care services can vary for each person based on age, gender and other risk factors, including family medical history.

How do I know if preventive care is covered under my plan?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires plans to cover certain preventive services at 100% so you do not have to pay anything beyond your monthly premium for these services.

If your policy includes coverage for ACA preventive services, these services may be covered at no additional cost to you.

Preventive services are subject to change.

BCBSKS members: Check your contract and benefits information in BlueAccess for details on how preventive services are covered by your specific plan.


Preventive health guide

Men and women have a variety of conditions to be aware of as they age. These guides provide a list of tests and exams that women and men, respectively, should discuss with their physicians.

The Reference Guide for Preventive Medicine Services is based on published literature by nationally recognized authorities in health care and the expressed opinions of participating network physicians.

Choose the age range you wish to view:

You may also download a chart that displays information for all age groups.

This guide is based on published literature by nationally recognized authorities in health care and the expressed opinions of participating network physicians. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice nor as a listing of preventive services with no-cost sharing as required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Please consult your doctor for advice about changes that may affect your health. Some services may not be covered under your health plan. Please refer to your benefit plan document for details concerning benefits, procedures and exclusions.

References:

  • The Reference Guide for Preventive Medicine is based on published literature by nationally recognized authorities in health care and the expressed opinions of participating network physicians.
  • Summary of Policy Recommendations for Health Examination, American Academy of Family Physicians, Leawood, Ks., August 2005
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Detection Guidelines. 2006
  • Guidelines for Perinatal Care, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 5th Edition, 2002
  • American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book: 2003 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 26th ed. Elk Grove Village, Il.
  • www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org