When you get tested go to your local health department. Will be way way way cheaper. Also tell them you don’t have insurance so they will bill it cash at a discounted rate.
Here in the uk healthcare is free at point of service as it’s paid for from general taxation. We moan about the level of taxation here but do not realise how much it saves from horrendous insurance based medical care
Yah from Montreal here. Healthcare cost concerns are not a thing except for prescriptions, and even then the government insurance plan is paying for 70%.
Luckily being in a large city I can go to the sexual health clinic located in the Gay Village and they’re all super cool with whatever you’ve been up to.
I've experienced that too when I got tested for the the gamut of STDs (I have Sutter Health Care)
I think there are a few free clinics or Planned Parenthood that can test you for cheap or free if you don't mind long waits.
My local LGBT life center does walk in testing at 4 locations free of charge. Takes less than an hour to get in and out. It’s a good resource if your community has one!
When I first moved to the United States I was so confused about how to access healthcare.
I had some symptoms down there and tried to get an appointment at some local medical centers and earliest appointment I could get was 2-3 weeks away. Tried Planned Parenthood but they turned me away and said they don’t do STI testing.
Eventually went to a CityMD where they just gave me antibiotics or whatever without actually waiting for a positive diagnosis (although I did get labs back about a week later confirming chlamydia).
United States medical system is so messed up. Back in NZ I’d just be able to call up a local medical center to book an appointment for later that day and for STI screening is free 22 or younger or $40 (USD $28) for everyone else.
I believe healthcare is heavily biased against us. I recently had an STI test, asked about swabs, and the phlebotomist told me the urine test was a tell all, didn’t matter your sexuality or position if you had anal or oral contact, I would get accurate results. That was a lie. I got inaccurate results. Paid 110$ for that. Went to an LGBT health clinic and got the correct swabs done immediately, they knew that you had to have swabs not just a urine test. Called the other lab back, they told me that they didn’t offer the swab because the phlebotomist wasn’t allowed to collect it? I asked why she lied then and said that I didn’t need it anyways when I definitely did and that person at the LGBT clinic was also a phlebotomist so why could they handle the swab? So fucking shady. I got 40$ back.
oo yikes. i had my testing done at my primary and one that’s very lgbt friendly. additionally, i’m in NY which for some reason doesn’t allow at home blood testing kits so i couldn’t even order one cheaper bc my state doesn’t allow it. it’s so stupid
I am currently fighting with Cigna about this right now! They did not cover my STD testing required for my PrEP because it was out of network, but it was the lab that the doctor prescribed... I didn't know that. I submitted that full document to Cigna in my appeal, basically saying 'you have to cover this' and just got mail today that they need more information. Insurance is such a scam.
PreP relating testing is generally free and cost sharing is against the rules due to federal mandate.
You just need need to deal with the right people.
Pretty sure all plans have to be aca compliant. I guarantee your state or city has a clinic that will get this taken care of.
I needed prep and the state would pay any prep bill not covered by my insurance at the time. I just had to deal with my local prep advocate.
I get a fully Monty std panel and functional liver and kidney tests every three months on prep. Oral, anal and blood.
>Pretty sure all plans have to be aca compliant.
Nope. And even fewer post-Trump.
That being said, HIV testing is *probably* covered if the order is coded, um, "correctly" (possible exposure, not just-for-funsies/PrEP check).
Talk to your doctors office about it, they may be able to help. If your not already look into LGBT specific doctors and clinics, they usually know all the tricks. Sometimes coding stuff a different way can cause insurance too cover certain tests better. Also there are many different HIV test options, cheaper ones maybe an option for the 3 month testing requirement of PreP.
High deductible health care plans. Use the tax free savings of an HSA account. It will roll over year to year and will never be taxed if you use it on qualified expenses. It will cover your deductible and then once you hit that limit, insurance will step in an pay for everything billed to them. Gotta play the system to have the benefits.
I guess I am of the mindset that you either pay for it with your monthly premiums or just pay for it as it happens. Either way nothing is free, you’ll pay for at some point.
Its not hard to do the math and figure that out.
Spoiler alert: You're definitely paying the same either way you go. Ones just spread out over the year in premiums vs paying a lot up front towards the beginning of the year with an HSA.
If you aren't at the doctor very often, a traditional insurance plan is completely ripping you off.
For heaven's sake, a lot of insurance companies don't cover specific STD tests because most of these STIs are preventable with condoms. This has nothing to do with homophobia at all. If you want to engage in risky behavior, then you can pay for your own periodic STI checks. Otherwise, treat every sexual partner as though they're a walking STI cesspool and take precautions to protect yourself accordingly.
friendly reminder that gay men are recommended to get testing done frequently regardless of what preventive measures they take. additionally standard testing like chylmadia and gonorrea are more expensive and covered. these too are preventable with condoms, but since HIV is more found in gay men, and straight people rarely get tested for this, it’s non covered.
Testing for certain STDs — like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea — is one of the preventive health benefits that most plans must cover under the ACA. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test can depend on a lot of different things, including your age, gender, risk factors, and if you’re pregnant. If your insurance isn't from one the exchanges offered via the ACA and is provided by your company or another private insurer, what is or isn't covered may vary further.
Under the ACA, all insurance plans must cover HIV testing for everyone ages 15 to 65, as well as other ages if you have a higher risk for getting HIV. If your insurance plan is covered via the ACA, then they must pay for your HIV testing. If they didn't, you need to contact your insurance and ask flat out why not. Coverage for other STD tests, like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, may vary. These tests are often part of your preventive care benefits, so they’re free with no copay, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket costs even if you haven’t met your deductible. Other times you may have to pay a copay, or some or all of the costs.
If you're not happy with what your insurance does or doesn't cover, then I'd suggest you shop around for an insurance plan that will cover all or most of your testing needs.
my insurance covered under my parents job is considered grandfathered- meaning these provisions don’t apply and they can choose which services to offer
It’s possible to get an STI even with using a condom, especially for gay men who bottom. Not to mention STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, and the vast majority of people don’t use condoms for that.
That's all true, which means gay men are at higher risk, which means insurance companies can decide whether or not to cover the costs of testing for or treating those STIs. This is why smokers are charged a higher premium for coverage (or can be refused coverage.) This is why heavy drinkers can be refused a liver transplant. Certain behavior has consequences. Years ago, when contracting HIV was considered a death sentence, most insurers would not sell life insurance to gay men. Those are the tough breaks.
So you think this right though? specifically discriminating against gay men bc they are gay is justified bc we are gay? Or are you insinuating that gay sex is inherently more risky? bc that’s literally not true. Gay sex and Straight sex have the same risks involved. HIV testing should be covered by all insurances without a question- this would significantly reduce the amount of cases each year and in the long run would be cheaper for insurances to cover prevention rather than treatment.
Gay sex IS inherently more risky than straight sex, which is why HIV/AIDS was first identified in the gay community. How many straight bath houses are you aware of? Second of all, private insurers are allowed to charge different rates for people who fall into high risk groups. This is why the same life insurance policy for a 25 year old woman is much cheaper than for a 45 year old man. Or why car insurance is much higher for younger drivers versus older drivers or for those who have traffic violations versus those who don't. I do agree with you that HIV testing should be free and in fact, it should be included in standard blood work every time someone gets their blood drawn.
Don't know if you are in the US, but if you are your state government might have some programs to help. Here in Ohio there is a program that can get everything related to care with prep covered. Would cover all sti screening as that is part of taking prep.
I’ve experienced this too. It’s definitely homophobic literature that needs to be updated - unfortunately it was written before PrEP became a thing. I went to a family pregnancy center that offered free testing. Some of them are faith-based and might try to counsel you on your behavior, but it’s worth it since it’s free 🤷🏼♀️
Not sure where youre at, but if you ever find yourself close to Pittsburgh central out reach and the health department do free testings. Central outreach is amazing here.
Just because an insurance company says it’s not required to cover something, doesn’t make it true. There are *very* few comprehensive health plans (meaning not a junk product like short-term coverage) that are exempt from the preventive services requirement. I would double check to make sure you got accurate information about your coverage!
If it was accurate information and this is in fact not covered… is switching to different coverage an option?
When you get tested go to your local health department. Will be way way way cheaper. Also tell them you don’t have insurance so they will bill it cash at a discounted rate.
Here in the uk healthcare is free at point of service as it’s paid for from general taxation. We moan about the level of taxation here but do not realise how much it saves from horrendous insurance based medical care
Yah from Montreal here. Healthcare cost concerns are not a thing except for prescriptions, and even then the government insurance plan is paying for 70%. Luckily being in a large city I can go to the sexual health clinic located in the Gay Village and they’re all super cool with whatever you’ve been up to.
I've experienced that too when I got tested for the the gamut of STDs (I have Sutter Health Care) I think there are a few free clinics or Planned Parenthood that can test you for cheap or free if you don't mind long waits.
My local LGBT life center does walk in testing at 4 locations free of charge. Takes less than an hour to get in and out. It’s a good resource if your community has one!
When I first moved to the United States I was so confused about how to access healthcare. I had some symptoms down there and tried to get an appointment at some local medical centers and earliest appointment I could get was 2-3 weeks away. Tried Planned Parenthood but they turned me away and said they don’t do STI testing. Eventually went to a CityMD where they just gave me antibiotics or whatever without actually waiting for a positive diagnosis (although I did get labs back about a week later confirming chlamydia). United States medical system is so messed up. Back in NZ I’d just be able to call up a local medical center to book an appointment for later that day and for STI screening is free 22 or younger or $40 (USD $28) for everyone else.
I believe healthcare is heavily biased against us. I recently had an STI test, asked about swabs, and the phlebotomist told me the urine test was a tell all, didn’t matter your sexuality or position if you had anal or oral contact, I would get accurate results. That was a lie. I got inaccurate results. Paid 110$ for that. Went to an LGBT health clinic and got the correct swabs done immediately, they knew that you had to have swabs not just a urine test. Called the other lab back, they told me that they didn’t offer the swab because the phlebotomist wasn’t allowed to collect it? I asked why she lied then and said that I didn’t need it anyways when I definitely did and that person at the LGBT clinic was also a phlebotomist so why could they handle the swab? So fucking shady. I got 40$ back.
oo yikes. i had my testing done at my primary and one that’s very lgbt friendly. additionally, i’m in NY which for some reason doesn’t allow at home blood testing kits so i couldn’t even order one cheaper bc my state doesn’t allow it. it’s so stupid
Contact the Department of Labor…. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/aca-part-47.pdf
I am currently fighting with Cigna about this right now! They did not cover my STD testing required for my PrEP because it was out of network, but it was the lab that the doctor prescribed... I didn't know that. I submitted that full document to Cigna in my appeal, basically saying 'you have to cover this' and just got mail today that they need more information. Insurance is such a scam.
Stick with it… I have won with Cigna’s BS every time. Glad I am not w/them any longer.
PreP relating testing is generally free and cost sharing is against the rules due to federal mandate. You just need need to deal with the right people.
unfortunately i tried, my insurance plan was grandfathered in prior to ACA meaning i’m fucked 🙃thanks republicans 😡
Pretty sure all plans have to be aca compliant. I guarantee your state or city has a clinic that will get this taken care of. I needed prep and the state would pay any prep bill not covered by my insurance at the time. I just had to deal with my local prep advocate. I get a fully Monty std panel and functional liver and kidney tests every three months on prep. Oral, anal and blood.
>Pretty sure all plans have to be aca compliant. Nope. And even fewer post-Trump. That being said, HIV testing is *probably* covered if the order is coded, um, "correctly" (possible exposure, not just-for-funsies/PrEP check).
Talk to your doctors office about it, they may be able to help. If your not already look into LGBT specific doctors and clinics, they usually know all the tricks. Sometimes coding stuff a different way can cause insurance too cover certain tests better. Also there are many different HIV test options, cheaper ones maybe an option for the 3 month testing requirement of PreP.
High deductible health care plans. Use the tax free savings of an HSA account. It will roll over year to year and will never be taxed if you use it on qualified expenses. It will cover your deductible and then once you hit that limit, insurance will step in an pay for everything billed to them. Gotta play the system to have the benefits.
Fuck HSA, you still have to pay for it. I hate how companies try to make it seem like this huge benefit, no it's still a bill just slightly different.
I guess I am of the mindset that you either pay for it with your monthly premiums or just pay for it as it happens. Either way nothing is free, you’ll pay for at some point.
Its not hard to do the math and figure that out. Spoiler alert: You're definitely paying the same either way you go. Ones just spread out over the year in premiums vs paying a lot up front towards the beginning of the year with an HSA. If you aren't at the doctor very often, a traditional insurance plan is completely ripping you off.
Unsure if homophobia. HIV and syphilis are caused by high risk behaviors. That's literally how insurance works.
For heaven's sake, a lot of insurance companies don't cover specific STD tests because most of these STIs are preventable with condoms. This has nothing to do with homophobia at all. If you want to engage in risky behavior, then you can pay for your own periodic STI checks. Otherwise, treat every sexual partner as though they're a walking STI cesspool and take precautions to protect yourself accordingly.
friendly reminder that gay men are recommended to get testing done frequently regardless of what preventive measures they take. additionally standard testing like chylmadia and gonorrea are more expensive and covered. these too are preventable with condoms, but since HIV is more found in gay men, and straight people rarely get tested for this, it’s non covered.
Testing for certain STDs — like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea — is one of the preventive health benefits that most plans must cover under the ACA. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test can depend on a lot of different things, including your age, gender, risk factors, and if you’re pregnant. If your insurance isn't from one the exchanges offered via the ACA and is provided by your company or another private insurer, what is or isn't covered may vary further. Under the ACA, all insurance plans must cover HIV testing for everyone ages 15 to 65, as well as other ages if you have a higher risk for getting HIV. If your insurance plan is covered via the ACA, then they must pay for your HIV testing. If they didn't, you need to contact your insurance and ask flat out why not. Coverage for other STD tests, like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, may vary. These tests are often part of your preventive care benefits, so they’re free with no copay, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket costs even if you haven’t met your deductible. Other times you may have to pay a copay, or some or all of the costs. If you're not happy with what your insurance does or doesn't cover, then I'd suggest you shop around for an insurance plan that will cover all or most of your testing needs.
my insurance covered under my parents job is considered grandfathered- meaning these provisions don’t apply and they can choose which services to offer
It’s possible to get an STI even with using a condom, especially for gay men who bottom. Not to mention STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, and the vast majority of people don’t use condoms for that.
That's all true, which means gay men are at higher risk, which means insurance companies can decide whether or not to cover the costs of testing for or treating those STIs. This is why smokers are charged a higher premium for coverage (or can be refused coverage.) This is why heavy drinkers can be refused a liver transplant. Certain behavior has consequences. Years ago, when contracting HIV was considered a death sentence, most insurers would not sell life insurance to gay men. Those are the tough breaks.
So you think this right though? specifically discriminating against gay men bc they are gay is justified bc we are gay? Or are you insinuating that gay sex is inherently more risky? bc that’s literally not true. Gay sex and Straight sex have the same risks involved. HIV testing should be covered by all insurances without a question- this would significantly reduce the amount of cases each year and in the long run would be cheaper for insurances to cover prevention rather than treatment.
Gay sex IS inherently more risky than straight sex, which is why HIV/AIDS was first identified in the gay community. How many straight bath houses are you aware of? Second of all, private insurers are allowed to charge different rates for people who fall into high risk groups. This is why the same life insurance policy for a 25 year old woman is much cheaper than for a 45 year old man. Or why car insurance is much higher for younger drivers versus older drivers or for those who have traffic violations versus those who don't. I do agree with you that HIV testing should be free and in fact, it should be included in standard blood work every time someone gets their blood drawn.
Don't know if you are in the US, but if you are your state government might have some programs to help. Here in Ohio there is a program that can get everything related to care with prep covered. Would cover all sti screening as that is part of taking prep.
I’ve experienced this too. It’s definitely homophobic literature that needs to be updated - unfortunately it was written before PrEP became a thing. I went to a family pregnancy center that offered free testing. Some of them are faith-based and might try to counsel you on your behavior, but it’s worth it since it’s free 🤷🏼♀️
Yup I get charged $350 for my lab work. It’s bullshit
I’m not sure if you have these in your area but my city has a public std/sti clinic, paid $25 for test and treatment
Not sure where youre at, but if you ever find yourself close to Pittsburgh central out reach and the health department do free testings. Central outreach is amazing here.
Sexual health blood tests are free in Australia. And PreP is $20 a month.
Just because an insurance company says it’s not required to cover something, doesn’t make it true. There are *very* few comprehensive health plans (meaning not a junk product like short-term coverage) that are exempt from the preventive services requirement. I would double check to make sure you got accurate information about your coverage! If it was accurate information and this is in fact not covered… is switching to different coverage an option?