Affordable Care Act now requires insurance companies to fully cover more preventive care for women

New rules in effect on or after Aug. 1 for most health insurance plans

[August 10, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Women will have access to even more life-saving preventive care, free of charge, according to new rules under the federal Affordable Care Act. According to a new report by the U.S. Health and Human Services, approximately 47 million women are in health plans that now must cover these new preventive services at no charge. Under the Affordable Health Care Act, women, not insurance companies, can now make decisions that will keep them healthy, catch potentially serious conditions at an earlier state, and protect them and their families from crushing medical bills.

The new rules in the health care law requiring coverage of these services take effect on or after Aug. 1 for most health insurance plans. Learn more about the preventive care services at www.healthcare.gov/prevention.

The eight new prevention-related services available to women at no charge under the Affordable Care Act are:

• Well-woman visits.

• Gestational diabetes screening to protect pregnant women from one of the most serious pregnancy-related diseases.

• Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling.

• FDA-approved contraceptive methods, and contraceptive education and counseling.

• Breast-feeding support, supplies and counseling.

• HPV DNA testing, for women 30 or older.

• Sexually transmitted infections counseling for sexually active women.

• HIV screening and counseling for sexually active women.

Illinois Department of Insurance Director Andrew Boron announced this week that the department will communicate directly with insurance companies that submit filings for review about these new rules and other issues related to the Affordable Care Act.

"We're pleased that more women will have access to preventive care services. Since these services may not be immediately covered by their health coverage providers, we are looking to communicate directly with insurance carriers to get out the message and provide any necessary assistance," Boron said.

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The mission of the Illinois Department of Insurance is to protect consumers by providing assistance and information, by efficiently regulating the insurance industry's market behavior and financial solvency, and by fostering a competitive insurance marketplace. Consumers who have any questions or concerns about their insurance should contact the department's Consumer Division at http://insurance.illinois.gov/ or call 866-445-5364.

[Text from Illinois Department of Insurance file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]