March 1, 2011

Medicare May Pay for STI Exams

U.S. health officials are considering adding sexually transmitted infection (STI) exams to the coverage provided by Medicare to the elderly and disabled, reports Reuters. Researchers have found that today’s growing population is not only living longer—it’s also remaining sexually active. The national health insurance plan, which already pays for HIV tests, says adding the additional STI exams will help expand preventive care, which can save money in the long run. This is because delaying treatment can spread an infection to others as well as result in costlier health complications later. Medicare covers nearly 39 million Americans older than 65 and 7.6 million individuals who are disabled.

To read the Reuters story, click here.

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