What type of preventive care became a requirement for new health plans in 2010 under the ACA?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated that new health plans cover preventive services without cost-sharing, which means that these services must be provided free of charge to the insured. This requirement was established to encourage individuals to utilize preventive care, thereby enhancing public health and potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs by catching health issues early before they develop into more serious conditions.

The emphasis on free preventive care includes a variety of essential services, such as vaccinations, screenings, and annual wellness visits. By making these services free, the ACA aims to eliminate financial barriers that previously prevented individuals from accessing important health screenings and services. This strategy is grounded in the belief that proactive healthcare will facilitate better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare spending in the long run.

In contrast, yearly deductibles for check-ups and partial reimbursement for physical therapy do not align with the ACA’s intent to eliminate cost-sharing for preventive services. Emergency care coverage, while important, does not specifically relate to the preventive services emphasized by the ACA. The focus here is distinctly on promoting preventive care as a key component of the health reform efforts under the ACA.