In a small house on a quiet street, a single mother sniffles as she puts on another batch of chicken soup for her three kids, all of which are sick in bed with the flu.
Across town, a daughter stops by her aging father’s home to help him cook dinner, giving her a 12 hour working day. His arthritis has been acting up more these days, and he needs the help.
Women often find themselves putting the health and well-being of others
before their own. But even the most caring of women needs a little care herself.
That’s why it’s critical for the women who care for everyone else to learn about
the new, no-cost preventative services that help them care for themselves.
Here are 7 preventative services women now have access to, without a co-payment or other cost sharing.
1. Well Visits
Well visits aren’t just for the kids. Chronic diseases cause 7 out of 10 American deaths.
Now, you have access to well-woman visits, where you and your medical professional will determine what preventative services might be necessary. These services, which include mammograms, are available for free—no co-pay or co-insurance necessary.
2. Breastfeeding Support, Supplies, and Counseling
In the past, the cost of breastfeeding supplies and lack of professional support prevented many women from nursing, one of the top ways for a woman to safeguard her baby’s health—and her own. Breastfeeding bolsters an infant’s immune system and reduces a mom’s risk of certain cancers. The new regulations require insurance providers to deliver free professional lactation support and breastfeeding equipment, like pump rental.
3. Contraception and Counseling
Insurance plans must now cover FDA-approved contraception, from the birth control pill to tube-tying procedures, without requiring a co-payment. Patient counseling and education are also covered services. Be aware that some religious-based employers may be exempt from the requirement.
4. Domestic Violence Screening
With up to 25% of U.S. women reporting they’ve been the target of domestic violence at least once in their life, screening is an important step toward keeping women safe. Counseling and screening for domestic violence are now part of insurance coverage for women.
5. Gestational Diabetes Screening
This condition affects up to 10% of all pregnant women, and, left untreated, can have serious consequences, including death. Women with this form of diabetes also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. Since there are few symptoms of gestational diabetes, it’s critical to take advantage of free screening between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Testing
Through their insurance plan, women 30 and older will receive no-cost DNA testing to detect high-risk HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer. This test is available every 3 years, even if Pap smear results are normal.
7. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and HIV Screening and Counseling
Only about one-quarter of women have discussed STIs with a health care professional. Sexually active women now receive free STI and HIV screening as well as counseling.
Remember, insurance providers may require you to use a doctor within their network to obtain free preventative services. If you visit an out-of-network doctor or facility, the insurer may charge a fee. Save money and hassle by checking your plan requirements before making an appointment.
Can you think of a woman who puts others first? Share this article with all the special women in your life.
|