Preventive Services (Including Contraception Methods) That Must Be Provided Without Cost-Sharing

New guidance issued by the federal government clarifies what preventive care items and services must be covered, without cost-sharing, for compliance with the Affordable Care Act under an employer-sponsored group health plan. Of note, BRCA genetic testing must be covered if appropriate for women with a personal history of cancer, well-woman visits (including preconception and prenatal care) must be covered as appropriate for dependent children, and anesthesia performed in connection with a preventive colonoscopy must be covered, each without cost-sharing. In addition, a plan must cover, without cost-sharing, at least one form of contraception in each of the 18 FDA-approved methods. The coverage must include the clinical services and patient education and counseling needed for provision of the contraceptive method. Affordable Care Act Implementation FAQ Part XXVI is available here.