Women's Preventative Healthcare Coverage Now Mandatory

Coverage Began with August 1, 2012 Renewals
By David Wetzler, President and Senior Benefits Consultant

New and/or renewing groups that have a non-grandfathered plan* must now include an expanded line of healthcare coverage at no charge, that includes the following services for women:

• Well-woman visits;
• Screening for gestational diabetes;
• Testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of cervical cancer screening for women age 30 and older;
• Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling;
• Counseling about sexually transmitted infections;
• Counseling and screening for HIV
• Counseling on breast-feeding, including breast-feeding equipment;
• Counseling on interpersonal and domestic violence;
• FDA-approved contraceptive methods, and contraceptive education and counseling;

Benefits for generic or generic equivalent prescriptions and supplies for these newly covered services will be paid at 100% as well.

Please Note:Religious employers who meet eligibility requirements, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, may opt-out entirely from the contraceptive coverage.  And nonprofit religious employers such as universities, hospitals, and social service organizations who, based on religious beliefs do not currently provide contraceptive coverage in their plans, are eligible for a one-year safe harbor from enforcement of these new guidelines.

Adding these services could result in an increase to the group's premium. SRA Benefits healthcare advisors will work with each client to determine how this change impacts the cost of coverage.

Some carriers are electing to offer this expanded coverage immediately, prior to renewals. Contact your benefits advisor for additional information.

*A grandfathered plan is one that was in existence on March 23, 2010. At least one person must have been enrolled as of that date.  Grandfathered plans are exempt from certain healthcare reform mandates.