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Preventive care is the foundation of lifelong health and financial well-being. It’s about stopping illnesses before they start, catching problems early, and helping families thrive—not just survive. Yet, millions of Americans skip preventive care each year due to high costs, confusing insurance, or lack of access. Beem Health is changing that narrative by making preventive care simple, affordable, and accessible for everyone.
This in-depth guide explores what preventive care really means, why it’s so important, what’s included in a modern preventive care package, and how Beem Health puts prevention at the center of your family’s wellness. Preventive care benefits: what’s included and why it matters? If this is what you’re thinking about, this blog is for you.
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care includes routine health services designed to keep you healthy and detect issues before they become serious. It covers:
- Annual physical exams and wellness visits
- Screenings for chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Cancer screenings (e.g., mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies)
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
- Mental health check-ins
- Dental and vision checkups
Preventive care isn’t just for adults—it’s essential for children, teens, and seniors too. From well-baby visits to senior screenings, prevention supports every stage of life.
The Three Pillars of Preventive Care
Preventive care is built on three foundational pillars—primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Each plays a unique and essential role in keeping individuals and families healthy throughout their lives. Understanding these pillars helps you take a proactive approach to wellness and make the most of your preventive care options.
Primary Prevention: Stopping Illness Before It Starts
Primary prevention focuses on reducing the risk of developing disease or injury in the first place. The goal is to promote overall health and prevent the onset of illness through healthy choices and protective measures.
Key strategies include:
- Immunizations: Vaccines protect against infectious diseases like measles, flu, HPV, and Covid-19, reducing the risk of outbreaks and severe complications.
- Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Encouraging balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Health Education: Providing information on the dangers of smoking, excessive alcohol use, and substance abuse empowers individuals to make informed decisions.
- Environmental Modifications: Ensuring clean water, safe housing, and air quality reduces exposure to health hazards.
Why it matters: Primary prevention is the most cost-effective approach, helping families avoid illness, reduce healthcare expenses, and improve quality of life.
Secondary Prevention: Early Detection and Prompt Intervention
Secondary prevention aims to identify health problems at an early, more treatable stage—often before symptoms appear. This pillar relies on routine screenings, assessments, and timely medical checkups.
Key strategies include:
- Screenings: Regular tests such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and diabetes screenings catch issues early.
- Routine Checkups: Annual physicals and well-child visits allow doctors to monitor growth, development, and emerging risk factors.
- Early Intervention: Detecting health changes or abnormalities early enables prompt treatment, which can halt or reverse disease progression.
Why it matters: Catching conditions early increases the chances of successful treatment, reduces the need for invasive procedures, and can save lives. For example, early detection of cancer or high blood pressure can prevent serious complications down the line.
Tertiary Prevention: Managing and Reducing Complications
Tertiary prevention focuses on helping people manage existing health conditions to prevent further deterioration, complications, or disability. The aim is to enhance quality of life and support long-term wellness, even after a diagnosis.
Key strategies include:
- Chronic Disease Management: Coordinated care for conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and arthritis helps control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cardiac rehab assist recovery and restore function after illness or injury.
- Medication Management: Ensuring proper use of prescribed medications prevents relapses and reduces the risk of adverse effects.
- Patient Education and Support: Teaching self-care skills, providing counseling, and connecting patients with support groups empower individuals to live well with chronic conditions.
Why it matters: Tertiary prevention helps minimize the impact of disease, reduces hospital readmissions, and allows individuals to maintain independence and a higher quality of life.
Why Does Preventive Care Matter?
Early Detection Saves Lives
Catching health issues early—like high blood pressure, cancer, or diabetes—means treatment is easier, less invasive, and more effective. For example, a simple screening can catch cervical cancer before it becomes life-threatening, or help manage cholesterol before it leads to heart disease.
- Early detection of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers can increase survival rates by 30-50%.
- Managing prediabetes with lifestyle changes can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes for many people.
Prevention Reduces Costs
Preventive care helps you avoid expensive emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and long-term treatments. Addressing small problems now means fewer big bills later—a win for your health and your wallet.
- A routine blood pressure check can prevent a costly stroke or heart attack.
- Every $1 spent on childhood vaccines saves over $10 in future medical costs.
Better Quality of Life
Staying ahead of health issues means more energy, fewer sick days, and greater confidence. Preventive care supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, helping you live life to the fullest.
Supports Family Health
When preventive care is easy and affordable, the whole family benefits. Kids stay up to date on vaccines, parents catch issues before they escalate, and seniors maintain independence and vitality.
What’s Included in Preventive Care with Beem Health?
Beem Health puts preventive care front and center, bundling essential services into one affordable monthly subscription. Here’s what members get:
24/7 Virtual Doctor Visits
- Unlimited access to board-certified doctors via Teladoc
- Same-day medical advice for fevers, infections, and routine questions
- Early intervention for minor issues—no waiting rooms, no extra cost
Why It Matters: Immediate access to care means you can address symptoms before they become emergencies. Busy parents, remote workers, and seniors all benefit from round-the-clock support.
Preventive Screenings and Annual Checkups
- Schedule annual wellness visits from home
- Track blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose
- Receive reminders for age-appropriate screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies)
Why It Matters: Annual checkups are the cornerstone of preventive health. Beem Health helps you stay on track with reminders and easy scheduling.
Vaccinations and Immunization Guidance
- Access to information and scheduling for flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and more
- Support for staying current on children’s immunizations
Why It Matters: Vaccines prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable family members. Beem Health makes it easy to stay up to date.
Dental and Vision Checkups
- Discounts on preventive dental cleanings, exams, and x-rays
- Savings on vision exams, glasses, and contact lenses
- Encouragement to keep up with oral and eye health—often neglected in traditional plans
Why It Matters: Dental and vision care are critical for overall health, yet often overlooked due to cost. Beem Health’s bundled discounts make regular checkups affordable.
Mental Health Support
- Confidential access to counselors and therapists
- Preventive mental health check-ins for stress, anxiety, or life changes
- Family-centered support for emotional wellness
Why It Matters: Mental health is as important as physical health. Early support can prevent crises and build resilience.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling
- Guidance on healthy eating, weight management, and chronic disease prevention
- Access to nutritionists for personalized advice
Why It Matters: Small changes in diet and lifestyle can prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Beem Health empowers you with expert guidance.
Prescription Savings
- Discounts on preventive and maintenance medications
- Easy refills and reminders to stay on track with treatment
Why It Matters: Affordable medication helps you stick to preventive treatment plans, reducing the risk of complications.
How Beem Health Makes Preventive Care Easier
Affordable, Transparent Pricing
- One predictable monthly fee covers the whole family
- No deductibles, co-pays, or surprise bills
- Budget-friendly for families, freelancers, and anyone with high-deductible insurance
Digital-First, Family-Centered Platform
- Book, track, and manage preventive care from any device
- One subscription covers dependents—kids, parents, and seniors
- Personalized reminders and health tracking tools
Access for All Life Stages
- Well-baby and well-child visits
- Women’s health: Pap smears, mammograms, reproductive counseling
- Men’s health: Prostate checks, cholesterol screenings
- Senior care: Bone density, diabetes, and heart health monitoring
Real-Life Impact: Preventive Care for Every Family
| Family Type | Preventive Care Benefit | Beem Health Advantage |
| Young Families | Vaccines, well-child visits | Virtual scheduling, reminders |
| Working Parents | Annual checkups, screenings | 24/7 access, no missed work |
| Seniors | Cancer/diabetes screenings, eye exams | Discounts, easy tracking |
| Women of All Ages | Pap smears, mammograms, mental health | Specialist access, counseling |
| Chronic Conditions | Ongoing monitoring, nutrition support | Bundled savings, digital tools |
Why Preventive Care Is Often Neglected—And How Beem Health Solves It
Cost Barriers
Traditional insurance often charges high co-pays or doesn’t cover dental, vision, or mental health. Beem Health eliminates these surprise expenses with a flat, predictable subscription.
Access Issues
Finding appointment time or transportation can be challenging, especially for busy parents, rural families, or seniors. Beem’s virtual care and flexible scheduling remove these obstacles, allowing you to access care from home.
Confusing Coverage
Many don’t know what’s included in their plan. Beem Health’s platform makes benefits clear and easy to use for everyone, with a simple dashboard and proactive reminders.
Preventive Care: The Data Behind the Benefits
- Children who receive regular well-child visits are 50% less likely to be hospitalized for preventable illnesses.
- Adults who get annual screenings reduce their risk of late-stage cancer diagnosis by up to 35%.
- Every $1 spent on preventive care can save up to $5 in future medical costs.
- Families who use bundled preventive care programs report higher satisfaction and fewer missed work/school days.
US-Specific Advantages of Preventive Health Services
National guidelines and insurance realities shape preventive health services in the USA. Beem Health is designed to fill the gaps left by traditional insurance, especially for families with high-deductible plans or limited access.
Key Advantages for U.S. Families
- ACA Requirements: All marketplace plans must cover a list of preventive services delivered by in-network providers with no out-of-pocket cost.
- Medicaid and CHIP: These programs cover preventive care for millions of children and low-income families, but access can vary by state.
- Employer Plans: While many cover preventive care, dental, vision, and mental health are often limited or excluded. Beem Health bridges these gaps.
Data Points
- In 2024, about 49% of Americans had employer-sponsored health insurance, but 1 in 4 still skipped preventive care due to cost or confusion.
- Over 14 million Americans are enrolled in ACA Marketplace plans, many of whom use supplemental programs like Beem Health for more complete preventive coverage.
Expanded Cost Comparison: Preventive Care with Beem Health vs. Traditional Insurance
| Service Type | Traditional Insurance (Avg. Cost) | Beem Health (Avg. Cost) |
| Annual Physical Exam | $150 (if not covered) | Included |
| Telehealth Visit | $50–$80 per visit | Included (unlimited) |
| Dental Cleaning | $100–$200 | Discounted |
| Vision Exam | $80–$150 | Discounted |
| Mental Health Session | $100–$250 | Discounted/Included |
| Prescription Savings | Varies (no discounts) | Discounted |
| Family Coverage | $500–$1,200/month | $50–$100/month |
Tips for Budgeting Preventive Care
- Add up your expected preventive care needs for the year.
- Compare the total cost of a traditional plan’s premiums, deductibles, and co-pays with Beem Health’s flat monthly fee.
- Consider the value of unlimited telehealth and bundled discounts on dental, vision, and mental health.
How to Get the Most from Preventive Care with Beem Health
1. Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visits
Book virtual or in-person checkups for every family member. Use Beem Health’s reminders to stay on track.
2. Stay Up to Date on Screenings and Vaccines
Follow personalized schedules for cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, and immunizations. Beem Health notifies you when it’s time.
3. Use Dental and Vision Benefits
Don’t skip cleanings or eye exams—these prevent costly problems later. Beem Health’s discounts make regular visits affordable.
4. Prioritize Mental Health
Check in with counselors before stress or anxiety becomes overwhelming. Early support leads to better outcomes.
5. Embrace Healthy Habits
Take advantage of nutrition counseling, wellness tips, and digital tracking to build lifelong healthy routines.
Preventive Care Checklist for Families
Schedule annual physicals for each family member
Annual physical exams are essential for early detection of health issues, updating immunizations, monitoring growth and development, and discussing personalized health goals and concerns with your doctor. They set the foundation for proactive, lifelong wellness.
Book dental cleanings every 6 months
Scheduling dental cleanings twice a year helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. These visits also allow your dentist to spot early signs of oral health problems and provide guidance for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums.
Get vision exams annually
Annual vision exams are crucial for detecting changes in eyesight, identifying early signs of eye diseases, and ensuring children’s vision supports their learning and development. Regular checkups help maintain optimal eye health for every family member.
Stay current on all recommended vaccines
Keeping up with recommended vaccines protects your family from serious, preventable diseases. Vaccinations also contribute to community immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks and ensuring everyone—especially children and seniors—remains safe and healthy.
Complete age-appropriate cancer screenings
Timely cancer screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears, are vital for early detection. Early diagnosis increases treatment success, lowers healthcare costs, and boosts adults’ and seniors’ long-term survival rates.
Set up telehealth access for urgent questions
Having telehealth access means you can quickly consult a healthcare professional for minor illnesses, injuries, or urgent health questions. This convenience reduces unnecessary clinic visits, saves time, and offers peace of mind for busy families.
Schedule mental health check-ins as needed
Regular mental health check-ins support emotional well-being, help manage stress, and provide early intervention for issues like anxiety or depression. Open conversations and professional support foster resilience and a healthier family environment.
Use nutrition counseling for healthy meal planning
Nutrition counseling guides families in making informed food choices, planning balanced meals, and managing weight. It helps prevent chronic diseases and encourages lifelong healthy eating habits, benefiting both children’s growth and adults’ long-term wellness.
Conclusion
Preventive care is the smartest investment you can make in your family’s health. It saves lives, reduces costs, and builds a foundation for lifelong wellness. With Beem Health, preventive care is no longer a luxury—it’s a simple, affordable, and accessible part of everyday life. It empowers you to take charge of your health, avoid costly emergencies.
Take control of your medical expenses with Beem Health—from the house of Beem, the personal finance app trusted by over 5 million Americans—and experience the confidence that comes with knowing you’re covered, no matter what life brings. In addition, Beem’s Everdraft™ lets you withdraw up to $1,000 instantly and with no checks. Download the app here to simplify your healthcare and start saving.
FAQs About Preventive Care Benefits: What’s Included and Why It Matters
What preventive services are included with Beem Health?
Annual checkups, telehealth visits, screenings, dental and vision discounts, mental health support, nutrition counseling, and prescription savings.
Is Beem Health insurance?
No. Beem Health is a supplemental wellness platform that fills gaps in preventive, dental, vision, and mental health care—especially for those with high-deductible or limited insurance.
Can Beem Health help my whole family?
Yes! One subscription covers dependents, making preventive care accessible for children, adults, and seniors.
How do I get started with preventive care on Beem Health?
Sign up, log in, and schedule your first wellness visit or screening. The platform will guide you through reminders and next steps.
What makes Beem Health different from traditional insurance?
Beem Health focuses on prevention, transparency, and accessibility. There are no deductibles, co-pays, or surprise bills—just one monthly fee for essential preventive care.
