Private MD News

Insurers increasingly cover STD testing

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

It may become easier for individuals to access STD testing in the near future, as private and public payers are increasingly moving to cover the cost of screenings for HIV and other infections, experts say.

Many people report that the cost of STD testing prevents them from seeking screening. However, Carl Schmidt, deputy executive director of The AIDS Institute, said that no one should go be kept from learning their HIV status because of cost.

He pointed out that many private insurance companies now cover HIV test for certain populations, and with provisions of the health reform law set to take effect soon, many more may have to start covering this as a preventive treatment.

He added that the fate of programs that mandate the delivery of preventive services is in doubt, as the Supreme Court continues to weight the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. But even if the law is struck down many have said they will continue to offer certain screenings free of charge.

This could lead to further support for widespread testing programs, which experts say are key to slowing the transmission of infections.