Did you know that many preventive care services are covered by your healthcare plan—often at little to no cost when you visit an in-network provider? Preventive care is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy, catch potential issues early, and avoid more serious (and costly) health concerns down the road.
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care focuses on maintaining your health and identifying risks before they become problems. This includes routine checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and counseling tailored to your age, health history, and risk factors.
The best place to start is by establishing care with an in-network primary care provider (PCP) and scheduling your annual wellness exam.
Preventive Care for Adults
Your annual wellness visit is more than just a check-up—it’s an opportunity to build a proactive plan for your health.
During these visits, your provider may recommend:
Routine Screenings & Counseling
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
- Mental health screenings (including depression)
- Skin checks and preventive dental guidance
- Screenings for conditions such as hepatitis C, HIV, and other infections
Lifestyle & Risk-Based Support
- Guidance on nutrition, exercise, and weight management
- Support for tobacco cessation or substance misuse
- Heart health and chronic disease prevention strategies
Vaccinations
- Annual flu shot
- Other vaccines based on age and health needs
Age-Appropriate Preventive Care
Depending on your age and risk factors, your provider may also recommend:
- Cancer screenings (breast, cervical, prostate, colon, lung)
- Bone density testing
- Vision and hearing evaluations
- Preventive medications for certain conditions
Preventive Care for Children
Preventive care is just as important for kids—even when they’re healthy.
Well-Child Visits Include:
- Growth and developmental monitoring
- Routine vaccinations
- Vision, hearing, and behavioral screenings
Additional Screenings May Include:
- Anemia and lead exposure
- Mental and emotional health
- Obesity and nutrition counseling
- Preventive dental care starting at an early age
Establishing care with a pediatrician early ensures children stay on track with recommended milestones and immunizations.
Preventive Care for Pregnancy & Family Planning
For those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, preventive care plays a critical role in supporting both parent and baby.
Key Services Include:
- Screenings for gestational diabetes, anemia, and infections
- Counseling on healthy pregnancy weight and nutrition
- Prenatal screenings and monitoring
- Breastfeeding support and maternal mental health screenings
Preventive medications like folic acid and access to birth control are also commonly covered benefits.
Summary: How to Make the Most of Your Benefits
- Stay in-network: This helps ensure preventive services are covered at the highest level.
- Ask questions: Confirm whether a service is considered preventive before your visit.
- Schedule annually: Don’t skip your yearly wellness exam—it’s your foundation for preventive care.
- Know your plan: Review your summary plan document or member portal for details.
