If the adage is true, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” then many women now have new motivation to stay healthy by using preventive services so they won’t need that “pound of cure”. Rules enacted on August 1, 2012, as part of the healthcare overhaul of 2010, will eliminate co-pays and deductibles for many insured women for an expanded package of preventive women’s health services. Contraception is part of this package. Health insurance plans already are required to cover some services, such as Pap tests, mammograms, and adult immunizations, without requiring co-pays.

This is the first package of recommended health prevention measures just for women. It is important when you consider that women typically have more preventive healthcare needs than men, especially around reproductive health. Sadly, women are less likely to use these services, such as screenings and well visits, or be able to pay for them, say experts at the Commonwealth Fund.


Well-woman visits: Annual well-woman care, which may include preconception counseling to promote optimal health going into a pregnancy

Gestational diabetes screening: You need this test at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, and at the start of pregnancy if you’re currently at risk for gestational diabetes.

HPV DNA testing: If you’re age 30 or older HPV is an early marker for cervical cancer risk

Counseling and screening for sexually transmitted infections including HIV

Contraception and contraceptive counseling: All FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures are included. Intended pregnancies typically have better health outcomes for you and your baby

Breastfeeding supplies, and counseling: Breastfeeding is a very effective form of prevention with health benefits for you and your baby. Making breast pumps available without added cost will help you be able to continue to breastfeed as long as you wish

Domestic violence screening: Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence is recommended for all women

Unfortunately, these rules only apply to women who have health insurance. If you get on a new health insurance plan, whether through an employer or by buying it on your own, the new rules will apply.

Read the changes in full at http://www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines/, and let us know if these new rules prompt you to get care.