Preventive services under the Affordable Care Act aka ObamaCare

Much has been made of the many preventive services under the Affordable Care Act aka ObamaCare and there is a long list. But buyer beware.

Over 60 preventive services are covered but how it is covered may be up to the terms of the specific insurance policy that you purchase. For example, take BRCA and Breast Cancer.

Mutations (genetic changes) in the BRCA gene have been related to very high risks of Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Angelina Jolie tested positive for the BRCA gene and there has been pretty extensive new coverage about that.

So the health act does require that insurers pay for “BRCA counseling about genetic testing for women at higher risk” but says nothing about covering the actual test itself. I suppose that means the testing coverage is up to the insurance company.

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