California Life-Only & Accident and Health AgentAccident and Health InsuranceMedium
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a health plan must cover preventive services without charging a copayment or coinsurance. Which of the following is an example of such a preventive service?
- APrescription medication for an existing chronic condition
- BEmergency room visit for a sudden illness
- CAnnual flu shot
- DPhysical therapy for a sprained ankle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Annual flu shot
The ACA mandates that certain preventive services, such as immunizations (like the annual flu shot), must be covered without cost-sharing (copayment or coinsurance) when provided by an in-network provider.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Prescription medications for existing conditions are treatments, not preventive services, and usually involve cost-sharing.
- B. Emergency room visits are not preventive services and typically involve cost-sharing.
- D. Physical therapy is a rehabilitative service, not a primary preventive service, and usually involves cost-sharing.
ACA Preventive Services
Under the Affordable Care Act, certain preventive care services must be covered by health plans at no cost to the consumer (no copay, coinsurance, or deductible).
- Available from in-network providers.
- Includes immunizations, screenings, and counseling.
- Aims to promote early detection and health maintenance.
Memory trick: The ACA shields you from costs for preventing illness, like shots.