Priority Health confirms commitment to preventive care services for ACA members
(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — April 6, 2023) Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan serving more than 1.3 million members, recognizes the importance of preventive health care services to help keep members healthy and health care affordable.
Last week, a Texas federal judge’s decision struck down the Affordable Care Act requirement that health insurers cover and pay for certain preventive care services without additional cost to the patient. And earlier this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to take immediate action to help ensure Michigan residents would still have access to preventive care.
Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health, said Priority Health members do not need to worry about loss of benefits as a result of the Texas ruling.
“Priority Health covered preventive services at 100% ahead of deductible, even on high-deductible health plans, before the Affordable Care Act required it,” said Thadani. “Priority Health will continue to offer these services, regardless of the recent ruling.”
Thadani said it is part of Priority Health’s mission and vision to improve health and make care more affordable and equitable.
“Preventive services save lives, lower costs and help members live happier, healthier lives,” said Thadani. “We are committed to supporting our members at every stage of their health and wellness journey, and that includes helping our members stay healthy through coverage of preventive services, not only treating them when they are sick.”
Joyce Chan Russell, senior vice president of government markets at Priority Health, said preventive care includes specific health services that help members avoid potential health problems or find them early when they are most treatable.
“Using these preventive services can help members avoid serious illness and keep health care more affordable in the long run,” said Chan Russell. “While preventive services can vary depending on plan type, most Priority Health members have access to a variety of $0 out-of-pocket services.”
These services include:
- Physical exams: An annual routine physical examination can help ensure that you stay in good health, are up to date on vaccinations and identify any concerns before they become more serious.
- Immunizations/vaccines: Vaccines and immunizations protect you and your family from serious illness and diseases and can ward off long-term complications from symptoms of these diseases.
- Prescriptions: Some prescription medications are considered preventive including prenatal vitamins, fluoride supplements for infants, tobacco cessation products and vitamin D supplements.
- Well-child visits: Many plans cover well-child visits to ensure children are hitting necessary developmental milestones. Infants and children under 3 years of age require frequent checkups, while children over 3 require annual visits.
- Prenatal visits: To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it’s recommended for women to start their prenatal care as early as possible. These visits are considered preventive as are annual gynecological visits.
- Preventive tests: Some preventive tests are also covered by your health plan such as cholesterol tests, screenings for colon cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Members can learn more about which $0 out-of-pocket services are available, or contact Customer Service.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than one million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.