$0 Preventive Health Services – For Adults, Women, and Children
NOTE: Effective July 1, 2017, preventive care services provided at out-of-network facilities are no longer covered at no cost by the Plan.
Your health is your most important gift and your most important asset. The Joint Health Management Board (JHMB) is committed to making sure you have the resources and information you need to stay healthy and take the steps necessary to protect your most valuable resource.
Under existing federal law, there are numerous annual screenings, immunizations, and counseling services that you can receive for free – so long as the services are delivered by a network provider. That means no deductible, no copay, and no coinsurance.
Annual preventive health screenings should be a routine part of your health care. They help you understand your risks for certain diseases. They also provide an opportunity to consult with your doctor if disease is detected – which offers the best chance for success given your specific medical situation and personal preferences.
Even if you have no symptoms, it is a good idea to consult with your primary care physician and discuss which screenings may be right for you based on your age, risk factors and family history. Many people are at risk for diseases such as heart disease and cancer but never experience any symptoms. Early detection of disease can increase your treatment options and survival rate.
While it’s not necessary for everyone to see a primary care physician each year, it is likely that patients’ health issues could be addressed by their primary care physician before it requires an emergency room visit. For instance, are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating the right foods? Are you getting enough exercise? These are questions that your primary care physician can help you answer and/or refer you to resources that can help. These proactive, preventive measures can make a big difference in your healthcare outcomes.
Know What’s Covered
The Department of Health and Human Services offers a great website to help you understand which preventive care services must be covered free of charge.
Visit Healthcare.gov to view the list of free preventive care services offered for adults, women, and children. Some of the services include:
- Annual physical exams
- Eye exams
- Family planning counseling
- Hearing exams
- Immunizations
- Prenatal care exams
- STD prevention counseling
- TB tests
- Well-women and well-child exams
- And many more…
Healthy Choices & Resources
Under existing federal law, certain preventive services are available to you at no cost through the District’s health benefit plan. For many people, annual preventive health screenings are a routine part of their health care. Preventive screenings help people understand their risks for certain diseases. They also provide an opportunity to consult with your doctor if disease is detected and provide the best chance for success given your specific medical situation and personal preferences.
Health care decisions are personal. To help you explore and evaluate information to reach the best decision for yourself, the JHMB has provided healthful resources for you below:
Preventive Health Recommendations from Healthcare.gov
Review a list of preventive services for all adults, women, and children
