Birth control, other services for insured women to become free Wednesday under Affordable Care Act
A number of preventative care benefits for insured women will be available beginning Wednesday without a co-pay because of reforms under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
About 47 million women - 1.6 million of which are in Michigan - with health insurance will be eligible for free annual tests and screenings, as well as birth control.
The contraceptive issue has been a controversial one among Catholic organizations. After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law this summer, more litigation could be forthcoming on behalf of Catholic institutions.
The Affordable Care Act forces insurance companies to pay the full amount for a number of preventative services for women. The law requires the changes to take effect upon the individual’s next plan renewal date, on or after Aug. 1.
Women with health insurance will now be able to receive a variety of preventative services without having to share the cost of them with the insurance company, including the following:
- Annual well-women visits
- Gestational diabetes screening for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant, and for those at high risk
- HPV DNA testing for women age 30 and older, every three years
- Sexually transmitted infection counseling, HIV screening and counseling
- Food and Drug Administration-approved contraception and contraceptive counseling, not including drugs that induce abortions
- Breastfeeding supplies, support and counseling
- Domestic violence screening and counseling
The law already has required private insurance companies and Medicare to offer services to women like mammograms, cholesterol screenings and flu shots without co-insurance or deductibles.
To find out what free preventative services you may now be eligible for through your health insurance, click here.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Modern_Atheist
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
I already have free family planning services through the "Plan First" program in Michigan (I do donate what I can afford to Planned Parenthood when I go to receive my birth control though), but a BIG thanks to everyone who made this Affordable Care Act possible!
Enso
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
To Conservatives: "Na, na, na, na, poo, poo!"
shepard145
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 2:59 a.m.
Just another obama drone working the campaign trying to re-elect the worst president in a century and wrapping it all in fake "news". Where is the story about the 43 lawsuits against this socialist by the Catholic Church? Did you miss the memo or are we continuing to avoid any "news" that is unflattering to dear leader. How about in the next piece you explain how any medical coverage dictated by the federal government is free? Are doctors and hospital donating these services to their fellow "comrades" as envisioned by Marx in his lovely little book? Lets assign Amy here to explore the nature of "free" as defined by the hilariously titled "Affordable Care Act"! ...when you're done, your next assignment will be to explain how you think obama will take over 1/7 of the US economy by installing a massive federal bureaucracy that does not exist today but "saving money"! LOL This would be hilariously stupid if it was not such a disaster.
ESprout
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
I think her next assignment should be an in-depth expose on why people like you just don't get it. The lawsuits by the church are irrelevant because the ACA does not force them to do anything, administer anything, take anything. It's a mandate on insurance companies, not churches. And medical coverage is not free. Most of us pay into it. The small percentage of really poor people who can't still get help because it's the right thing to do. I'm ok with my tax dollars being used to help others. Why aren't you? Did the bible teach you nothing? And the only reason you think it's a disaster is because you just don't get it...which, hopefully, will be explained by Amy and her expose on why people like you just don't get it...
Monica R-W
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.
Great news to prevent unwanted pregnancies, especially in this still difficult economy!
Monica R-W
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
Or unplanned pregnancies also!
Rudra N Rebbapragada
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Affordable Care and Affordable Relationship: The Care that is given free to all of us without asking, and without a fee is that of Divine Providence. The relationship that preserves, defends, and sustains human existence is that of Spiritual relationship, partnership, association, connection, or bonding between the human being and the Power/Energy/Force of the LORD God Creator. It surprises me to find that we think that we are in control of our existence. We need a plan that will provide access to relationships based upon respect, trust, commitment, and shared feelings, and thoughts. Woman or man cannot find happiness and satisfaction in Life without seeking a spiritual basis for their biological existence in this material world.
ESprout
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
Please tell your divine providence to eradicate all conditions, maladies and diseases so that the ACA is unnecessary. Until then, the ACA will serve as a means for people who are in need to have access to the healthcare they require to sustain a life of quality.
annarboral
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
Free? Really? What it means is that the cost of health insurance will rise to cover the cost of providing these services at no additional cost. There is no free lunch (look it up).
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
The hate-the-rich stuff is getting pretty old. I understand it's one of the main platforms of the Obama campaign, but really, it's getting old now. Maybe it's time to try something new, like blaming Republicans for the drift of Earth's magnetic poles for example.
sh1
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
Short-term sacrifices for long-term gain makes a lot of sense to me.
clownfish
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
I looked it up, turns out it is not what many people think: "Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill) " http://www.amazon.com/Free-Lunch-Wealthiest-Themselves-Government/dp/1591841917
treetowncartel
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Can I get a free vasectomy? I might have to sue for equal rights now.
ESprout
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
And the ignorance continues. A vasectomy is an elective surgery and is not done to prevent the onset of a disease or condition. The ACA does not provide "no copay tubal ligation." So your argument is asinine.
Lynn Liston
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
I'd support free vasectomies!
Gargoyle
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
I guess men still have to pay a co-pay for their prostate exams. But who cares, we're just men.
Lynn Liston
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 10:05 p.m.
I'd support free prostate exams. Why not?
sh1
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Poor men, always coming in second behind women.
clownfish
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
Guess what folks? You may not want to pay for testing now, but you pay for the results of people NOT getting preventative testing when they end up in the ER. That means you pay MORE than you will in the future. It's cheaper to fend off disease than cure it, I know that may come as as shocking news to some, but then again science is an evil term to many.
clownfish
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
A blog filled with Straw Men arguments , false analogies and a complete lack of concern for our fellow men/women. Many of the same people whining about the new laws (which will reduce over all costs for everybody) are the same folks that tell us we have a "Right to Life" . Many of these people have claimed in the past that we are a "Christian Nation", but seem to have missed Jesus teachings on caring for the ill. It's just sad that instead of being happy that more people will get access to health care, live longer and continue to pay taxes they focus on the tiny, tiny number of people that are too poor to afford health care and need help from their fellow man. If you are against the new laws, please protest by dropping your health insurance.
sh1
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
Agreed. Assumptions that people who will benefit from these provisions don't deserve it shows an alarming lack of compassion.
walker101
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
My premiums have just gone up 15% this last year and over 50% over the last 4 years, so you would think since all these acts being passed they would at least give me a discount since some people are getting FREE medical services?
Monica R-W
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.
Two thumbs up for providing the facts Clownfish!
clownfish
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
Premiums went up 9% ANNUALLY from 2004-2007, did you whine about it then?Premiums went up 50% from 2003-2010, did you whine in 2003,2004,2005,2006 or 2007? What was the GOP answer then...silence. You can get FREE tests now, under the new law: 16 Covered Preventive Services for Adults Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm one-time screening for men of specified ages who have ever smoked Alcohol Misuse screening and counseling Aspirin use for men and women of certain ages Blood Pressure screening for all adults Cholesterol screening for adults of certain ages or at higher risk Colorectal Cancer screening for adults over 50 Depression screening for adults Type 2 Diabetes screening for adults with high blood pressure Diet counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease HIV screening for all adults at higher risk Immunization vaccines for adults--doses, recommended ages, and recommended populations vary: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Herpes Zoster Human Papillomavirus Influenza (Flu Shot) Measles, Mumps, Rubella Meningococcal Pneumococcal Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Varicella Obesity screening and counseling for all adults Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention counseling for adults at higher risk Tobacco Use screening for all adults and cessation interventions for tobacco users Syphilis screening for all adults at higher risk Ignorance is no way to run a republic. What is your answer to rising health care costs and the need to supply health care to as many US citizens as possible? Anything? Whining does not cure disease.
HaeJee
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
It is NOT free. I pay for these services with my insurance premium every month like you do.
scott
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2 p.m.
when will people realize that affordable health care IS A RIGHT FOR ALL, the poor and the rich, and not a commodity?
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
"affordable health care IS A RIGHT FOR ALL" Supporting documentation?
Allison Camara
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
I am so happy that I can go see my Dr. once a year as I should be doing and make sure I don't have any infections and that they can be caught before it gets worse. I do have health insurance that I pay for no one but me pays for my health insurance. The government does not give me health insurance they don't go near it my employer and I pay for it and now I can go to the Dr. and not pay my deductible when I am in a hard financial spot. I could also, if I chose to become pregnant again, get help with Gestational Diabetes since I had it for my first pregnancy, and the diabetes not only affects the mother but the unborn child, I thought all of you in favor of life would be happy about that one a mother who cares about her child can now care for it even before it is born into this world.
walker101
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
Nothing is FREE, someone or somebody is paying for FREE service!
HaeJee
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
You are right. Every pay period when I contribute towards my health insurance, I do pay. Finally, my premimums will be contributing towards healthcare that I do need versus helping pay for others who get prescription for Viagra.
Lynn Liston
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
I see some posts questioning the fairness of this. Here are a few reasons why it's a good idea- 1) Employees pay into their health insurance at work, so these aren't technically 'free' services for the working population. They are covered without a co-pay and it is only fair that those who pay into their health insurance should have a say in how/what is covered. 2) Women still make less than men. Eliminating the co-pay for woman-related reproductive health care helps to level that difference. This will significantly help their families including their children and husbands by eliminating an expense. 3) This Act also covers pregnancy and motherhood related need such as gestational diabetes screening and breast-feeding supplies. Again this will be a great help to the financial stability of families and will ensure the health of unborn and just-born children. 4) Most of the women who will benefit from this are working, paying their taxes and paying into their health insurance at work. This hardly equates to slackers and spongers. Working families now have a stronger safety net and children will benefit. Flu shots are covered, too. We have finally joined the rest of the civilized world in putting some emphasis on the well-being of families and giving some health care control to those who help pay for it.
Lynn Liston
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
No, unusual suspect, but I do pay into my health insurance and I'm glad to be able to have a say in how the benefits are provided. Every working person I know who has insurance through their employer pays part of the cost already, as a deduction from their paycheck, ranging from $100 to $350 a month depending on how many dependents are insured. This is in addition to co-pays at the point of service. No one I know gets FREE health care from an employer. This makes employees and employers economic partners in the purchase of health insurance and I believe that if you pay, you should have a say! For a family to not have to shell out money for birth control, either entirely or as a co-pay, means more money for that family to spend on their children or to save.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
"it is only fair that those who pay into their health insurance should have a say in how/what is covered." President Obama pays into your health insurance?
oldguy
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
One more strep into the 21st century for the US !! Three cheers !!!
Real Life
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
Today, from San Diego on the Pacific, to Boston on the Atlantic, from Duluth on the shining water of Lake Superior to New Orleans on the Gulf of Mexico, an iron curtain has begun to descend on our Liberty. As First Amendment rights begin winking out, we must unite in November to turn back the tide of tyranny. It may be our last chance.
HaeJee
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
That tyranny started a long time ago under Bush's reign.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
I agree. We need to get this cancerous progressive is era behind us. It has been a quaint little experiment, but this amateur hour really needs to end.
Vas
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
Amy, this isn't free. Free implies no one is paying for it. Nothing is free. The cost of the service is spread and paid for by all insurers. A more exact wording is "No Co-Pay Required".
B2Pilot
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
more election year fluff to sway the women voters
HaeJee
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
It may be fluff to you because you are a man, but these issues are important to me. Believe it or not, but what I prioritize as important issues will differ from men.
sh1
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
Free annual tests and screenings are a huge money-saver in the long run. Diseases/conditions caught early are more successfully and more easily treated. Good news for women and people who care about women!
Monica R-W
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 2:01 a.m.
Pregnancy is not a disease but for the potential Mother who can't afford to take care of her potential child, all of us pay for this. If now a Women can receive birth control to prevent unwarranted or unplanned pregnancies, isn't this better for all of us Unusual Suspect?
Allison Camara
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
Unusual, it does not say abortions are part of this and birth control that induces abortions are not free we would still have to pay for those as we do now, but the pill and nuva ring that some women need to help regulate their cycle so it will be normal and not heavy and other disorders that some women have and need birth control for. So please do not go and imply that women who have birth control thing pregnancy is a disease.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
I agree with you on most of it. The problem is that some people consider a pregnancy to be a disease.
David Briegel
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.
I am quite proud that America is now joining the civilized nations of the world.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
If the other countries on that map jumped off a cliff, would you jump off the cliff, too?
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Your premise is flawed.
David Briegel
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
Suspect, you might note that the lack of health care for our citizens had put us in league with the less civilized nations of the world. I'm certain that makes you proud.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
sh1, I see nothing on that map that indicates anything to do with being civilized.
sh1
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Pilot, this graphic should help: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/heres-a-map-of-the-countries-that-provide-universal-health-care-americas-still-not-on-it/259153/
B2Pilot
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
please explain ? Why do you think this makes America civilized? what about this make you proudest?
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
It's not "free." It's just forcing other people to pay for it. When do I get to force other people to pay for my Odor Eaters?
arborani
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
"When do I get to force other people to pay for my Odor Eaters?" Maybe when you take your shoes off in public?
maallen
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
HaeJee, If you truly believed that paying out of pocket for your health services is less than what you pay in premiums, then you wouldn't be buying health insurance. When insurance carriers are required to offer benefits for free (no copays to the customer) then the insurance companies are forced to raise the premiums to cover the "free" stuff. It's called economics 101
HaeJee
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
How are these services being paid by others? My health insurance premimum costs over 6k a year. If I paid out of pocket for our healthcare services, it would be much less than the premium amount.
Mike
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
It becomes free? That implys nobody pays for it. Really? Or are we all subsidizing those who could afford it but would rather take a few bucks from their tax paying neighbors to cover their contraception? Everything is becoming a right in this country and when that happens you end up with Greece at some point..........
HaeJee
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
It is not free. I pay for these services through my health insurance every pay. This bill only requires insurance companies to provide better service to women, the kind of service that men have taken for granted for generations. Women require different kind of preventative care than men and insurance companies have been making us pay out of pocket for it for years.
Elijah Shalis
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Or Northern Europe which has no problems