An Apple a Day

Okay, okay, I realize that I have been less than generous in praising ObamaCare over the past several months, but it’s kind of like finding something good to say about a herpes outbreak.  This week I am actually going to mention a few of the things that may, and I emphasize the may, be

Anemia screening on a routine basis for pregnant women

Breast Cancer Genetic Test Counseling (BRCA) for women at higher risk for breast cancer

Breast Cancer Mammography screenings every 1 to 2 years for women over 40

Breast Cancer Chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk

Breastfeeding comprehensive support and counseling from trained providers, and access to breastfeeding supplies, for pregnant and nursing women

Cervical Cancer screening for sexually active women

Chlamydia Infection screening for younger women and other women at higher risk

Contraception: Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling, as prescribed by a health care provider for women with reproductive capacity (not including abortifacient drugs). This does not apply to health plans sponsored by certain exempt “religious employers.”

Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling for all women

Folic Acid supplements for women who may become pregnant

Gestational diabetes screening for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes

Gonorrhea screening for all women at higher risk

Hepatitis B screening for pregnant women at their first prenatal visit

HIV screening and counseling for sexually active women

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Test every 3 years for women with normal cytology results who are 30 or older


Osteoporosis screening for women over age 60 depending on risk factors

Rh Incompatibility screening for all pregnant women and follow-up testing for women at higher risk

Sexually Transmitted Infections counseling for sexually active women

Syphilis screening for all pregnant women or other women at increased risk

Tobacco Use screening and interventions for all women, and expanded counseling for pregnant tobacco users

Urinary tract or other infection screening for pregnant women

Well-woman visits to get recommended services for women under 65



    Whew! If you waded through all that I give you kudos.  Think about this for a moment, the government is mandating that your insurance cover these tests (and there are even more for kids and men) so what would you think your insurance may do if that is not already a part of your policy.  Do ya think they might jack up the premiums to compensate for the lost revenue due to mandated coverage...do ya??  I think we all know those answers, especially if you have seen your premiums recently.  This reveals another flaw in the system.  While I am not advocating a single payer system, the current structure allows insurance companies free reign to increase rates. Pundants claim competition in the exchanges will keep rates low, but how well has that worked in reality...not!
    So while I am a big fan of prevention and I am glad to see this kind of emphasis, remember...everything comes at a cost.

construed as good in this program.  Let’s start with preventative services.  According to the Affordable Care Act various screenings and preventative tests and check ups are encouraged and a person’s insurance has to cover them with no copay and no charge against the deductible. Below is a list of those tests for women (yes, this is a sexist blog) Oh and one other caveat, if your current plan was in force in 2010, this may not apply to you (clear as mud, I know):