MedPage Today/ABC News: Additionally, rules recently issued reveal how some preventive health screenings will have to be covered cost-free by insurers starting this fall in an effort to make America healthier and to care for those at risk for chronic conditions. "The interim final regulations, which take effect on Sept. 23, require private health plans to cover all preventive services given an 'A' or 'B' recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, as well as preventive services recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The covered services include screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm, aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease, alcoholism and smoking cessation counseling, immunizations, screening mammograms and colonoscopies, and screening for other chronic conditions including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hepatitis, diabetes, HIV, osteoporosis, and iron deficiency. They also include screening for obesity as well as weight-loss counseling" (Frieden, 7/18).

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