Comment on FR Doc # 2010-17243

Can you please clarify if HMOs and health insurance companies are required to cover the cost of aspirin for men 45-79 years of age and for women 55-79 years of age? One HMO reads the regulation and interprets it to read that it only has to cover the counseling for aspirin therapy instead of the cost. The HMO is basing its interpretation on the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force “Aspirin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.” The recommendation for men age 45-79 years states “Encourage aspirin use when potential CVD benefit…” The HMO interprets this to mean it only has to provide counseling for the appropriateness of aspirin therapy. Other information provided under PPACA related web sites appears to provide coverage for the cost of aspirin for the previoulsy identified groups.