U.S. May Pay to Test Elderly for STDs

U.S. health officials are weighing whether to cover STD tests for the elderly and disabled under Medicare laws.

The new health insurance law already pays for HIV testing.Rift Gold But now, those administering the government program are considering adding screening for diseases like syphilis and hepatitis B to the coverage, according to Reuters.

The move would be the latest in the effort to offer more preventive health care.

The insurance plan already covers almost 39 million Americans 65 or older.RIFT Platinum About 7.6 million disabled Americans also are insured under Medicare.

Researchers say that not only are Americans living longer, but they're also staying sexually active longer -- which is why the new coverage is being considered.

The tests, say those in the public health field, rift goldwill likely wind up costing less down the road because they can prevent conditions that crop up from postponing treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. They can also help stop the spreading of such infections to other people.

Currently, Medicare pays for pap smears, pelvic exams and tests for diabetes and colorectal cancer, in addition to HIV tests. The program is now deciding whether to extend coverage to include screenings for the following:

-- Chlamydia among sexually active or pregnant women 24 and younger and among older, RIFT Platinumhigher-risk sexually active or pregnant women

-- Gonorrhea in all high-risk sexually active or pregnant women

-- Syphilis for those considered to be at higher risk for the infection

-- Counseling for high-risk, sexually active teens and adults in order to prevent STDs

TERA GoldOfficials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plan to make their decision on the new STD coverage by Aug. 24, Reuters said.