Why are preventive services covered at no additional cost significant?

Preventive services covered at no additional cost are significant because they encourage timely healthcare and contribute to lower overall costs. By ensuring that individuals have access to essential preventive measures—such as vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups at no charge—health insurance plans promote early detection and treatment of health issues. This proactive approach can help individuals avoid more serious health problems in the future, which are often more costly to treat.

When people utilize preventive services regularly, it can lead to fewer hospitalizations and less need for extensive medical procedures, ultimately reducing healthcare expenses for both insurance providers and policyholders. This emphasis on prevention also fosters a healthier population overall, which is beneficial for society as a whole.