Preventive Care Free for Patients, Rules Say

New government rules will require insurance plans to offer preventive health care with no out-of-pocket cost to patients. The rules were released July 14, the Associated Press (AP) reported. They cover tests for colon and breast cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Pregnant women will get tests for vitamin deficiencies. Routine vaccinations will be covered. Children also will get routine doctor visits, plus hearing and eye tests. The rules also cover counseling to help children stay at a healthy weight and help people quit smoking. Further rules for women’s health screening are still being developed. The benefits take effect when plans are renewed, in most cases January 1. Some large employer plans will be exempt for now. But they could have to comply later as they make other changes to their plans, AP reported.