August 1, 2012 has been coined by many women as "No Copay Day" -- part of President Obama's Affordable Care Act that mandates insurance companies offer things like breast exams and birth control free of charge.
"I think it's a good plan and some females need it because they don't have the resources for it, so I think it's a real good idea," local mom Tamica Moon said.
But industry experts say if you're already insured through an employer health plan, you will likely have to wait.
Dan Thomas is vice president of Gallagher Benefit Services, a Dillsburg-based insurance consulting firm.
"A plan that is grand0fathered doesn't have to comply with this act until January 2014, at the earliest," Thomas said.
According to his interpretation of the law, the August 1 effective date will only impact plans that begin from this point forward. Already existing plans will only have to comply if they lose their grandfather status.
"An employer basically is required to not make a lot of changes, either in the benefits they offer to employees or in the contribution amount the employee pays," he said.
Ultimately, Thomas says it's up to the consumer to monitor the changes of his or her plan.
"Contact the member services department of the carrier they have insurance through to determine is their prescription part of this act," he said.
Among the list of services that fall under this mandate -- breast-feeding supplies, condoms, sterilization and STD testing.
