Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010

100% Coverage for Preventive Care

Policy: Requires that newly issued private insurance cover preventive services without co-pays and regardless of deductibles. (Renewals of existing plans are not included.)

Caveat: Existing insurance plans in the employer and individual market will not be subject to this new rule.

TBD: Exactly which preventive services will be covered at 100%. The tests and procedures that fall under this provision will be determined by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of doctors working independently within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration within HHS. Immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be covered under this rule.