The healthcare industry underwent some significant changes this year. Insurance companies are now prohibited from barring coverage to people with preexisting conditions or charging them higher premiums. However, there are some other changes that many people haven’t heard of. One of the biggest changes is a requirement that insurance companies cover free screenings and other forms of preventive care.

The Affordable Care Act allows all insured citizens to receive free preventive care. As a consumer, you should be aware of these changes and the types of services that are available to you. Here are some of the services that you may want to take advantage of.

Hearing Tests

You will want to find out whether or not you have any hearing problems. You should consider visiting a provider that has at least 13 hearing center locations to find experts that can help you.

Mammograms and Colonoscopies

As of September 23, 2010, health insurance companies must cover the entire cost of mammograms and colonoscopies, even if you haven’t met your deductible. You will not be required to pay anything for them out-of-pocket.

Screenings for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

You can also receive free screenings to see if you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Some of the screenings covered include HIV, hepatitis and HPV tests. You will also receive counseling if any of these tests turn up positive.

Heart Disease and Blood Diseases

You can also receive screenings for a variety of heart and blood diseases. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are some of the biggest health concerns in the country, so all citizens that are risk of developing these conditions are encouraged to receive screenings.

Alcohol Abuse Screenings

The Affordable Care Act also provides screenings for patients suffering from alcohol abuse. Healthcare.gov issues the following recommendations for drinking alcohol:

• Men should avoid consuming more than two drinks a day.
• Women should avoid drinking more than one drink a day.

Of course, the fact that somebody consumes more alcohol than this doesn’t mean that they have a serious alcohol problem. They are encouraged to see a substance abuse counselor, which the insurance provider will cover.

Diet Counseling

You can also receive free consultations with dietitians. This service was provided for free under the Affordable Care Act to help reduce the societal costs of long-term obesity. If you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight then you should consider working with a dietitian.

Immunizations

You can also receive a number of immunizations at no cost. Some of the free immunizations that you may want to be aware of include:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Influenza
• Meningococcal
• Tetanus
• Varicella

The recommendations for immunizations vary for different demographics, but you can find some of them listed here. You will want to consult with your healthcare provider to find out which ones you need. You should try to receive all immunizations that your healthcare providers recommend, because you won’t need to pay for any of them out of pocket.