Routine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at private health providers in New York City is on the rise since the city’s Department of Health cut funding for free STI testing, the New York Daily News reports. People who are uninsured usually face high out-of-pocket testing costs—as much as $100—for STI screenings (including the three most common: chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea). This can deter people from getting diagnoses and treatments. Citywide, STI cases increased from 75,000 in 2008 to 82,000 in 2010. The Department of Health blamed budget deficits for the cuts.

To read the Daily News article, click here.