What is one major outcome of the ACA regarding preventive services?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly transformed how preventive services are provided and covered in health insurance plans. One of the major outcomes of the ACA is that preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings, and wellness visits, must be covered by insurance plans without any cost-sharing requirements. This means that individuals can access these vital services without having to pay deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, thereby removing financial barriers to preventive care.

This approach is intended to encourage individuals to utilize preventive services, which can lead to early detection of health issues, better management of chronic conditions, and overall improved public health outcomes. By eliminating cost-sharing, the ACA promotes greater access to necessary preventive care for all insured individuals, making it an important element of health reform aimed at improving health and reducing long-term health care costs.