Short answer: Under the ACA, most health plans must cover a defined set of preventive services (such as recommended screenings, immunizations, and well visits) at no cost to you (no copay or deductible) when you use an in-network provider.
The ACA requires non-grandfathered plans to cover certain preventive services with no member cost-sharing in network. The covered list is tied to recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (A and B rated), the CDC’s immunization committee (ACIP), and HRSA guidelines (including women’s and children’s preventive care). Examples include many cancer screenings, blood-pressure and cholesterol checks, vaccines, and annual wellness visits.
Two practical notes: the no-cost rule generally applies in-network, and if a preventive visit turns into treatment of a problem, that portion may be billed normally. HSA-qualified high-deductible plans are specifically allowed to cover preventive care before the deductible without affecting HSA eligibility.
Sources
- ACA preventive-services requirement, 45 CFR §147.130; USPSTF / ACIP / HRSA guidelines.
Content history
Originally published: June 16, 2026
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026