RECENT CHANGES TO HEALTH CARE REFORM PROVISIONS  PREVENTIVE CARE GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN  The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires non-grandfathered health plans to cover preventive health services without imposing cost-sharing requirements for the services. PPACA’s preventive care mandate is generally effective for plan years beginning on or after Sept. 23, 2010. On Aug. 1, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued new preventive care guidelines for women. These new guidelines, which are effective for plan years beginning on or after Aug. 1, 2012, require non-grandfathered health plans to cover women’s preventive health services (such as well-woman visits, breastfeeding support, domestic violence screening and contraceptives) without charging a copayment, a deductible or coinsurance. COVERAGE GUIDELINES: Well-woman visits – Includes an annual well-woman preventive care visit for adult women to obtain the recommended preventive services, and additional visits if women and their providers determine they are necessary. Gestational diabetes screening – Screening for women 24-28 weeks pregnant, and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for women age 30 and older – Women who are age 30 or older will have access to high-risk HPV DNA testing every three years, regardless of Pap smear results. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling – Sexually active women will have access to annual counseling on STIs. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling – Sexually active women will have access to annual screening and counseling on HIV infections. FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling – Women will have access to all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling. These recommendations do not include abortifacient drugs. Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling – Pregnant and postpartum women will have access to comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained providers, as well as breastfeeding equipment. Domestic violence screening and counseling – Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence. Mammograms and cervical cancer screenings are already covered under the Affordable Care Act.  In connection with this guidance, HHS issued an amendment to the interim final rules to allow religious institutions offering health coverage to decide whether or not to cover contraceptive services, consistent with their beliefs.  The new law also makes preventive services free for women on Medicare. ******************* As additional information becomes available pertaining to the Health Care Reform Law Provisions, Unison will keep you up to date.  If you have immediate questions please contact your Unison Employee Benefits Consultant.