Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems. Examples of preventive care include cholesterol tests, checkups with your Primary Care Provider (PCP), and colon cancer and breast cancer screenings. Preventive care is important even if you don’t feel sick.
While preventive screenings among employees and their family members have started to increase since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many preventive screening services are below already-low 2019 levels. King County health plans report many preventive screenings for women and well-child visits for babies have declined. For example, more than 30% of women in the King County employee population are not getting recommended preventive screenings such as breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings.
As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing.
Primary Care Providers can help
Your PCP is your medical “home base.” It’s the provider you visit for most medical needs, including preventive screenings, care for chronic conditions, and non-emergency illnesses. When you see the same PCP or go to the same clinic for your usual care, your medical records will be in the same place, making it easier to keep track of what screenings or routine care you’ve received. Read how having a PCP is good for your health.
Your PCP and care team can help you and your family stay on top of your preventive care and screenings. Examples of preventive care are:
- Blood pressure tests
- Mental health screening
- Diabetes screening
- Well-child visits
- Vaccinations against diseases
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections
- Flu shots
- Cancer screenings including colorectal, breast, cervical
- Cholesterol tests
- See Healthcare.gov for a complete list of screenings covered 100% for adults, women and children
Preventive screenings are free!
Regence and Kaiser Permanente cover screenings mandated for 100% coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Sometimes, your doctor may order additional tests or services that you may need to pay a copay or coinsurance for.
Need help finding a PCP?
Don’t have a PCP or want to change your PCP? Your health plans can help.
- Kaiser: Visit the online directory or call 888-901-4636 for help choosing a provider
- Regence: Find a doctor and care facilities near you
- 50% of primary care doctors on the provider search tool have their race/ethnicity listed.
- Or call the number on the back of your Regence ID card for one-to-one help in finding the doctor who is right for you.
Take a simple yet impactful step towards long-term health and schedule your annual check-up and preventive screenings today.
If you have questions or need language assistance or disability support services, please contact our Benefits team: phone 206-684-1556 or email kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov
You can also check out the FAQ page for more questions.
This article was updated Dec. 11, 2024