One of the most valuable parts of an ACA-compliant health plan is also one of the least used: a long list of preventive services covered with no deductible, no copay, and no coinsurance when you see an in-network provider. If you are paying for these, something is wrong.
Why these services are free
The Affordable Care Act requires most private plans to cover recommended preventive services at no cost. In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the structure behind these requirements, so the no-cost preventive coverage remains in place.
For adults
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes screening for adults at risk
- Colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45
- Depression screening
- Routine vaccines such as flu, tetanus, and others recommended for your age
- Tobacco use screening and cessation help
- HIV screening and preventive medication for people at high risk
For women
- Well-woman visits
- Mammograms at recommended intervals
- Cervical cancer screening
- Most FDA-approved contraceptives
- Prenatal screenings and breastfeeding support
For children
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings
- The recommended childhood vaccine schedule
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Oral health risk assessments
How surprise bills still happen
The visit becomes diagnostic
If you raise a new problem during an annual physical — a knee that hurts, a rash — the doctor may bill a separate office visit for that part, which can carry a copay. That is legitimate, but you should know it can happen.
Out-of-network providers
The no-cost rule generally applies only in network. Confirm the provider first — see how to check your doctor's network.
Screening that turns into treatment
A screening colonoscopy is preventive. If a polyp is removed, cost-sharing rules can differ by plan, so ask your insurer how follow-up care is billed.
Short-term and non-ACA plans
These requirements apply to ACA-compliant coverage. Short-term plans and health-sharing arrangements often do not include them — see health sharing vs. real insurance.
How to use it
Schedule your annual physical early in the year, ask the office to code it as a preventive visit, and keep a list of the screenings recommended for your age. Free care only helps if you use it.
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