At the NALC Health Benefit Plan, preventive care is not an optional extra. It is a core part of your coverage and has been for years. When you visit in-network providers, services such as annual checkups, cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, immunizations, and a wide range of routine tests are covered at no cost.
Even so, many members overlook these benefits or are unsure what they qualify for. Preventive care is one of the most valuable parts of your plan, and using it regularly can make a meaningful difference in your long-term health.
This guide walks you through what is covered, why it matters, and how to take full advantage of the services available to you through your PSHB plan.
Why Preventive Care Matters for Long-Term Health
Preventive care is designed to identify health issues early, when they are most treatable and most manageable. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even early-stage cancers often show few or no symptoms at the beginning. Without routine checks and screenings, these conditions may go unnoticed until they cause more serious complications.
Annual wellness visits allow your provider to review your overall health, track changes from year to year, and discuss lifestyle habits that influence long-term wellbeing. This includes nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, and mental health. Small changes identified during preventive visits can make a significant difference later on.
For families, preventive care also ensures age-appropriate screenings and immunizations are up to date, offering protection year-round.
What No-Cost Preventive Services Include
A wide variety of preventive services are covered at 100% when you use in-network providers and the visit is billed as preventive care. These services follow nationally recognized guidelines and are designed to help keep you healthy throughout every stage of life.
Coverage includes routine screenings, counseling, laboratory tests, immunizations, and well-woman and maternity services. Eligibility varies by age, gender, health history, and recommended frequency. If you or your provider ever have questions about whether a service qualifies as preventive, the best next step is to reach out through the Contact Us page.
Both the High Option and CDHP plans offer extensive no-cost preventive services, including routine exams, recommended screenings, immunizations, and women’s and maternity care. While the specific lists vary slightly between the two plans, each is designed to provide comprehensive preventive coverage. For CDHP members, these services are fully covered and do not draw from the Personal Care Account.
The Key Preventive Services That Make the Biggest Difference
Research and plan experience consistently show that certain screenings and routine checks offer the greatest impact on long-term health outcomes. These are the services every member should prioritize.
Breast cancer screening
A mammogram can detect breast cancer years before a lump can be felt. Early detection significantly increases treatment options and survival rates. Most members begin screening at age 35. During your annual visit, your provider can help determine the right schedule for you.
Cervical cancer screening
Pap and HPV tests detect changes in cervical cells long before symptoms appear. These screenings are quick, prevent cancer, and remain one of the most effective tools for women’s health. Screenings typically begin at age 21, with frequency based on age and test type.
Colorectal cancer screening
Screening options include stool-based tests, colonoscopies, and sigmoidoscopies. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Many adults should begin screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain digestive conditions, your provider may recommend earlier or more frequent testing.
Annual physical exam
Your annual checkup brings everything together. It includes a review of your medical history, discussion of current concerns, vital signs, preventive counseling, and recommended lab work. Annual visits are opportunities to catch early warning signs, manage risk factors, and build a long-term relationship with your provider. This visit also determines which screenings you are due for in the coming year.
Diabetes and glucose testing
Testing for prediabetes and diabetes is essential, especially if you have risk factors such as family history, elevated weight, or high cholesterol. Identifying prediabetes gives you a valuable window of time to make changes before symptoms or complications develop. Providers may order fasting glucose, HbA1c, or other tests during your annual visit.
Depression screening
Mental health is an important part of preventive care. Depression is common and highly treatable, and a brief screening can help identify when additional support may be needed. Follow-up visits, counseling, or virtual care may also be recommended.
Immunizations
Vaccinations protect you, your family, and those around you. Recommended immunizations include flu shots, shingles vaccines, childhood vaccines, pneumonia vaccines, and others following CDC guidelines. Most members can receive multiple immunizations during their annual exam.
Well-woman, prenatal, and postpartum care
Women’s preventive care includes annual well-woman exams, cervical cancer screenings, breast exams, and counseling. Pregnant members also have access to fully covered routine prenatal visits, routine pregnancy-related screenings, and routine postpartum preventive care. These visits help support healthy pregnancies and early identification of complications.
Preventive Care and Chronic Disease Management
Preventive care is not limited to early detection; it also plays a central role in managing or reducing risks for chronic conditions. During preventive visits, providers screen for hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, mental health conditions, and other behavioral health concerns. Identifying issues early allows you to begin appropriate treatment, make lifestyle adjustments, or access additional resources before complications develop.
For many chronic conditions, small interventions made early have the greatest long-term impact. Routine preventive visits ensure you stay on the right track.
Visit our Chronic Condition Management pages for more information for the High Option plan, or Consumer Driven plan members.
How to Access These Preventive Services
The process is straightforward:
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Use the Cigna provider directory to find an in-network provider in your area.
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Schedule your annual wellness exam. When booking, let the office know you are scheduling a preventive visit.
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Ask your provider which screenings you are due for based on your age, gender, and health history.
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Complete recommended immunizations and screenings. Many can be done at the same visit.
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If your provider recommends follow-up labs or specialist visits, schedule them before you leave the office.
Prepare for the New Year: Your Preventive Care Checklist
Use this one-page checklist to help you and your family stay up to date on recommended preventive services, including screenings, exams, and vaccinations available at no cost when you use in-network care. Designed to make planning easier and help you prepare for your next appointment. Download it now.
Your health is important, and preventive care helps you protect it in meaningful, proactive ways. These no-cost services give you and your family the opportunity to catch concerns early, stay informed, and make confident choices about your care. As you plan your year, we encourage you to schedule your preventive visits and lean on the tools and support available through your Plan. Together, we can build a healthier community for every member.
