New Report: Preventive Care Saves Families Thousands While Supporting Long-Term Affordability

MiBlue Daily

June 17, 2026

Preventive care is one of the best ways to manage your long-term physical and mental health, but new research suggests it also delivers significant financial benefits for families.

A recent report from researchers at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) found that families covered by Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive care protections can save more than $4,000 annually in out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

The report examined the value of preventive services that are required to be covered without cost-sharing for most people enrolled in ACA-compliant private health plans.

Health insurers and providers have long emphasized how important it is to invest in preventive care today to help avoid serious health problems and higher medical costs tomorrow, but statistics show many people do not take advantage of these services. A 2025 Nationwide Retirement Institute study showed the following percentage of Americans postponed or canceled:

Under the ACA, many preventive services are covered at no additional cost to members. These include annual wellness visits, immunizations, blood pressure screenings, and recommended cancer screenings, among other services. Researchers with the GWSPH estimate approximately 150 million Americans have access to these benefits through ACA-compliant health plans.