Many people believe it’s not important to see a doctor unless they have a specific problem—an ear infection or a broken bone, for example. This is a mistake, as people of all ages need preventive care to make sure they are in good health. Having a comprehensive California health insurance plan enables people to have regular check-ups and seek preventive care.
While it’s true that younger adults generally tend to have fewer health problems, preventive care is still important for everyone, regardless of age. The good news is that certain preventive services must be covered on health care plans issued after March 23, 2010, at no additional charge to the consumer.
Here are five preventive care services everyone should have, and which are covered at no additional charge on plans issued after March 23, 2010:
- Blood pressure screening –– Adults age 18 and over should have their blood pressure taken at least every 2 years. Adults over age 40 should check their blood pressure regularly.
- Immunizations –– Starting in childhood, immunization like MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) are important. Adults may need additional vaccinations, including hepatitis A and B and herpes zoster (shingles).
- Depression screening –– Depression can be a debilitating condition, and many people with low-level depression aren’t even aware that they’re depressed or that treatment is available. This is why depression screening is so important.
- Cholesterol screening –– In today’s food environment especially, regular cholesterol screenings in early adulthood (and even childhood, for high-risk individuals) is important.
- Obesity screening –– More than one-third of Americans are obese, and another third are overweight, which speaks to the importance of obesity and diet counseling for at-risk groups.
These are just some of the many preventive services that adults should be having regularly. Talk to your doctor about which screenings and services you need. If you need health insurance, don’t hesitate to call Benefit Packages for a quote today.