Staying healthy and living a long life starts with preventive healthcare. Preventive healthcare can help you avoid illness and detect problems before you notice any symptoms – helping you stay healthy.

The Preventive Care Guidelines include national recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF). USPSTF recommendations with an A rating (high certainty the benefit to you is substantial) or a B rating (high certainty the benefit to you is moderate) are preventive services covered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Under the ACA, new health plans beginning September 23, 2010, are required to cover these preventive services with a USPSTF A or B recommendation at 100 percent (when you use an in-network provider), without a copayment, coinsurance or meeting a deductible. If you use an out-of-network provider, you usual deductible and expenses may apply.

View articles based on age and gender to help you gain a better understanding of preventive healthcare.