Blue Cross Blue Shield preventive care

What BCBS actually covers at $0.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of 33 independent regional companies covering 1 in 3 Americans — Anthem, BCBSIL, BCBSTX, BCBSM, Empire, and many more.

Under the Affordable Care Act, every BCBS plan covers dozens of preventive services at no cost when you use an in-network provider. Most members claim less than half of what they're entitled to — leaving roughly $600–$1500+ on the table every year.

Plan types

Which BCBS plan are you on?

Each BCBS regional plan operates independently, but ACA preventive care is mandated across all of them. Common offerings include PPO, HMO, EPO, and HDHP. Confirm your specific in-network providers via your member portal.

$0 services

Free preventive services on your BCBS plan

These services are mandated by the ACA and covered in-network at $0 — no copay, no deductible — on every Blue Cross Blue Shieldplan we've seen. Approximate retail values shown so you can see what you're paying for through your premiums.

Annual wellness visit

~$200

Included on every BCBS plan as preventive care.

Cancer screenings (age-appropriate)

~$200–500

Cervical, breast, colon, and skin cancer screenings per USPSTF guidelines.

Mental health screening

~$200

Depression and anxiety screening as preventive care.

Vaccinations (flu, HPV, COVID, etc.)

~$40–250

All ACIP-recommended vaccines covered in-network.

Cardiovascular screenings

~$120

Cholesterol and blood pressure checks.

Diabetes screening

~$60

For adults with risk factors — A1C and fasting glucose.

💡

Want the personalised list? Scan your BCBS card in benefit and we'll tailor the recommendations to your age, gender, plan type, and life stage — and surface anything that's typical for your specific BCBS plan but missing from a generic list.

FAQ

BCBS preventive care, answered

Are preventive services covered the same across all BCBS plans?

The ACA-mandated services are covered on every BCBS plan nationwide. The provider network and cost-sharing for non-preventive services vary by regional plan — Anthem in California works differently from BCBSIL in Illinois — but the $0 preventive list is consistent.

What's BlueCard, and does it affect my preventive care?

BlueCard lets you use any in-network BCBS provider across all 50 states at in-network rates. For preventive care this means you can book with any BCBS-network provider in your area at $0, even if your home plan is from another state.

Does Anthem count as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Yes — Anthem is a BCBS licensee operating in 14 states (CA, NY, OH, etc.) under the Blue Cross or Anthem Blue Cross brand. Same ACA preventive care benefits apply.

Built for Blue Cross Blue Shieldmembers who deserve to know what they're paying for

Your next BCBS visit
could cost you nothing.

Scan your BCBScard in benefit and we'll tell you exactly which services you can get for free — right now, this year, with your current plan.

Start for free — takes 5 minutes

No credit card required · Your data stays private

BCBS by city

See BCBS coverage in your metro

Localised guides for major US metros where BCBSoperates — what's covered, in-network density, and how to book a preventive visit in your city.

Other insurers