By Adaku Onyeka

Starting Aug. 1, guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Affordable Care Act go into effect, making several women’s health services more affordable for millions.  In general, the guidelines require insurance companies to cover the full cost of many preventive health services. No co-pays. No deductibles. No out-of-pocket expenses.  At all.

It’s a big deal, but before you storm your local clinic or pharmacy, here are the top five things to know about the preventive health care changes:

1. What’s Covered: All FDA-approved contraceptive methods and drugs, but you already knew that.  What hasn’t been getting as much media attention is that the new guidelines will also cover the cost of many women’s health services, such as regular well-women visits (which include annual breast and pelvic exams), HPV screenings for women over 30 every three years, STI counseling, HIV testing, screening for gestational diabetes in pregnant women, and breastfeeding support and supplies.
2. Students Get First Dibs.  The guidelines apply only to new policies started on or after Aug. 1.  That means unless you signed a policy on or after that date, you will still be tied to your current policy until its end date.  Luckily for most students that end date is right around the corner. Most university health plans coincide with the academic year, which means new plans are set to begin in mid-August to September.  Be sure to check with your school to make sure you don’t miss open enrollment for your health plan.
3. Fret Not, Working Gals. You’re likely next in line to reap the benefits of the new guidelines by early 2013.  Most companies hold open enrollment in October or November right before their fiscal year closes, with new plans starting in the New Year.  Check with your HR department and look out for information about open enrollment.
4. Not All Coverage is Created Equal.  Some plans will still require co-pays, deductibles, etc., if they are Grandfathered Health Plans.  These plans existed on March 23, 2010, and are limited in how much they can change before they lose grandfather status.  Best to check with your insurance provider or HR department to learn if your coverage falls into this category.  Also, some religiously-affiliated non-profit schools and employers can delay providing birth control coverage for up to a year, after which enrollees can go straight to the insurers rather than their employers.  A more permanent carve out exists for churches and houses of worship.
5. No Free Lunch.  The guidelines do not apply to women who have no insurance at all; you must already have some kind of health insurance – whether it’s a private policy through a school or employer, or purchased in the open market.  If you’re uninsured and want to learn about your options, visit gettingcovered.org.

For more information check out this fact sheet.