How do catastrophic plans typically function regarding preventive care?

Catastrophic plans are designed to provide a safety net for individuals facing high medical costs, primarily by covering essential health benefits after the deductible is met. However, a key feature of these plans is that they often cover preventive services at no cost to the policyholder, meaning these services do not count towards the deductible. This aligns with the Affordable Care Act's emphasis on the importance of preventive care, encouraging individuals to prioritize their health without the barrier of upfront costs.

Preventive services may include vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups, which are vital for early detection and prevention of diseases. By allowing access to these services without additional charges, catastrophic plans help promote general well-being and health maintenance, making healthcare more accessible.

In contrast, the other choices suggest different mechanisms that are not characteristic of how catastrophic plans operate. They either misstate the level of coverage for preventive services or imply unnecessary restrictions that do not apply to the basic structure of these plans.