> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://uhchealthcarecard-helpcenter.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Maximizing Your UHC Preventive Care Benefits Each Year
> Discover which preventive care services are fully covered at no extra cost under your UnitedHealthcare plan and learn how to schedule them.
One of the most valuable — and most underused — features of your UnitedHealthcare health plan is your preventive care benefit. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health plans are required to cover a wide range of preventive services at no cost to you when provided by an in-network provider. That means no copay, no deductible, no coinsurance. Getting these services isn't just good for your health — it's one of the smartest ways to get real value from your coverage every single year.
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## What "Preventive Care" Actually Means
Preventive care refers to healthcare services designed to detect health problems early or prevent them from developing in the first place — before you have symptoms. These include screenings, immunizations, counseling, and annual wellness exams. Because early detection and prevention significantly reduce the long-term cost and burden of treating disease, your health plan covers these services fully when you use an in-network provider.
The no-cost preventive care requirement applies to services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Your UHC plan follows these federal guidelines. Log in to myuhc.com to see the specific preventive services covered under your plan.
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## Covered Preventive Service Categories
Your yearly physical with your primary care provider covers a full health assessment, blood pressure and weight checks, and a review of your overall health history. These visits are the cornerstone of staying ahead of potential health issues.
Recommended vaccines for adults and children — including flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, shingles (Shingrix), pneumonia, Tdap, and HPV — are covered at no cost when given by an in-network provider or pharmacy.
Screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, cervical cancer screening, lung cancer CT scans (for eligible smokers), and colorectal cancer tests are covered based on your age, sex, and risk factors.
Cholesterol (lipid) panels, blood pressure screenings, diabetes screening, and obesity counseling are covered preventively so you can catch and address cardiovascular risk factors early.
Depression screenings and anxiety screenings for adults and adolescents are covered as preventive services. Early identification of mental health concerns can open the door to effective, timely treatment.
Annual well-woman visits cover a comprehensive set of preventive services specific to women's health, including breast exams, contraceptive counseling, gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy, and more.
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## Common Covered Preventive Services by Life Stage
Your recommended preventive services will change as you age and as your health history evolves. Here's a snapshot of commonly covered services by life stage:
**Adults (18–39):**
* Annual physical exam
* Blood pressure screening
* Depression and anxiety screening
* STI and HIV screening (for at-risk individuals)
* Flu vaccine annually
**Adults (40–64):**
* All of the above, plus:
* Mammogram (women 40+, guidelines may vary)
* Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45
* Diabetes screening
* Cholesterol/lipid panel
**Adults (65+):**
* All of the above, plus:
* Bone density (osteoporosis) screening
* Lung cancer screening (for eligible smokers)
* Shingles vaccine
* Pneumonia vaccine
Your doctor can help you build a personalized preventive care calendar based on your age, sex, family history, and lifestyle. Bring a list of questions to your annual wellness visit so you can confirm which screenings are recommended for you this year — and walk out with a plan.
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## How to Schedule Your Preventive Care Visits
Getting your preventive care on the calendar is easier than you might think. Here's how to make it happen:
From your member dashboard, navigate to "Benefits & Coverage" to review which preventive services are covered under your specific plan this year.
Use the provider search at [uhcprovider.com](https://www.uhcprovider.com) to locate in-network primary care physicians, OB-GYNs, or specialists near you. Confirming in-network status is essential — out-of-network preventive care may not be covered at no cost.
Contact your provider's office to schedule your annual wellness visit. Many practices now offer online scheduling through their patient portal. When you call, specifically mention you're scheduling a **preventive care or annual wellness visit** so it's coded correctly by the provider's billing team.
Bring your UHC Health Care Card, a list of current medications, and notes on any symptoms or health concerns. For screenings like colonoscopies or lab work, follow your provider's preparation instructions carefully.
After your visit, review any test results through your provider's portal or directly with your doctor. If a screening leads to a follow-up appointment or diagnostic test, note that diagnostic services (as opposed to preventive screenings) may be subject to your regular cost-sharing.
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## A Note on Preventive vs. Diagnostic Services
It's important to understand the distinction between preventive and diagnostic care, because it affects your costs.
* A **preventive** colonoscopy (routine, no symptoms) is covered at no cost.
* A **diagnostic** colonoscopy (ordered because of symptoms or a prior abnormal result) is subject to your normal deductible and coinsurance.
The same principle applies to many screenings. Your provider's office determines the billing code — so if you're scheduling a routine screening, make sure your provider documents it as preventive to ensure it's applied correctly.
If you receive an unexpected bill for a service you believe should have been covered as preventive care, don't ignore it. Review your Explanation of Benefits on myuhc.com and contact UHC Member Services to dispute any incorrect claims. Billing code errors do happen, and you have the right to appeal.
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