Health Reform Rule Makes Preventive Care Free for Many

Health plans that are created or significantly changed after Sept. 22 must cover a variety of evidence-based preventive services without requiring co-pays or other cost sharing, says an interim final rule released July 14 by the Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor Depts. The rule names a list of vaccines, preventive screenings and services for adults and children endorsed by federal scientific panels, including tests for cancer, heart ailments, obesity and other conditions. It also includes a list of preventive services for women that will be developed by a new federal panel next year.