ACA covers nine services for women’s health

Mother’s Day kicked off National Women’s Health week, a celebration dedicated to promoting the continued health and well-being of women. Often caretakers and nurturers of the health of others, women all too often neglect themselves, particularly when access to preventive care is costly.

To address this problem, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has taken proactive steps to provide important preventive services to women without any out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, starting in 2014, the ACA requires most insurers to cover maternity benefits through its package of essential health benefits.Additionally, insurers are no longer permitted to deny coverage to women simply because they are living with breast cancer or other pre-existing conditions.

Kathleen Sebelius

According to Kathleen Sebelius, former secretary of the HHS, these initiatives empower women to take control of their health and well-being.“Being healthy starts with each of us,” Sebelius said in a press release. “So during National Women’s Health Week — and throughout the year — I encourage you to sit down with your doctor or healthcare provider and talk about what you can do to take control of your health.”In honor of National Women’s Health Week, HemOnc Today has compiled a list of preventive health programs offered to women under the ACA. Most plans are required to provide coverage without cost-sharing for these services.

1. Well-woman visits

The ACA guidelines recommend that women undergo annual “well-woman” visits for preventive care that is appropriate to the woman’s age and stage of development. These could include preconception or prenatal care, as well other preventive checks based on the patient’s risk factors.

2. Gestational diabetes screening

Gestational diabetes has increased in prevalence in recent years, and is associated with health risks to both mother and child. The ACA recommends gestational diabetes screening for pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, and at the first prenatal visit for women known to be at high diabetes risk.

3. HPV testing

Due to the known association between HPV and the development of cervical cancer, it is recommended that women who test positive for HPV undergo colposcopy screening for cervical cancer. The ACA recommends that starting at age 30, women undergo DNA testing for HPV no more than once every 3 years.

4. Counseling for sexually-transmitted diseases

All sexually active women are advised to avail themselves of annual counseling regarding sexually transmitted diseases. These services can provide useful educational information regarding prevention and treatment of various types of STDs.

5. Counseling and screening for HIV

Under the ACA, sexually active women are encouraged to be screened annually and receive counseling for HIV. These resources can be useful in promoting prevention, and in addressing concerns and treatment options for HIV.

6. Contraception and counseling

Affordable access to prescribed methods of contraception is another key component of ACA coverage. It should be noted that these guidelines do not pertain to women enrolled in group health plans sponsored by religious employers.

7. Breastfeeding supplies and counseling

The ACA guidelines stipulate the provision of various resources for breastfeeding women, including lactation counseling and support by a trained coach during pregnancy and after the baby is born. The guidelines also call for coverage of rented breastfeeding supplies.

8. Domestic violence screening and counseling

In addition to the clear damage wrought by domestic violence on women and families, domestic violence can also worsen the risk of perinatal mental disorders.

The ACA recommends screening and counseling for those involved in a domestic violence situation as needed.

9. Smoking cessation services

Smoking during pregnancy has been found to increase the chances of early labor and delivery, stress during delivery, bleeding during labor and a longer hospital day.

To reduce these risks, the National Cancer Institute has launched SmokeFreeMom, a text messaging service designed to offer tips and ongoing encouragements to help pregnant women quit smoking and stay quit.