What is included as "preventive care" under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Preventive care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) focuses on services designed to prevent illnesses, detect potential health issues early on, and promote overall health. This includes a variety of services such as vaccinations, screenings for conditions like cancer and diabetes, and annual wellness check-ups. The intent behind preventive care is to intervene before illnesses develop, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs over time.

Vaccinations, for instance, protect against preventable diseases, while screenings can identify issues early when they are often more treatable. This approach supports a healthier population and is a key component of the ACA, which aims to improve access to essential health services without out-of-pocket costs to patients for these necessary preventive measures.