This analysis of claims data estimates that six in ten people with private health insurance – or about 100 million people – have used at least one covered preventive service at no extra cost thanks to a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) over the past year. a typical year before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018).
The provision that requires most private health plans to cover many preventive services without any cost sharing for their enrollees is being challenged in federal court. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas found in September that aspects of the requirement were unconstitutional and violated religious rights, but allowed the provision to remain in effect while it considered relief.
The most commonly received preventative services include immunizations, well-child visits, and screenings for heart disease, cervical cancer, diabetes, and breast cancer. COVID-19 vaccines are also provided free of charge to patients as part of the ACA’s preventive services, although it is uncertain how many people will receive them in the future.
Women and children are more likely than men to have used at least one free preventive service through their private insurance. The analysis also examines variations in the use of preventive services across the large group, small group, and individual markets. It is available via the Peterson-KFF Health System Monitoringan online clearinghouse that monitors and evaluates the performance of the U.S. health care system.
