Your Medicare Coverage

Is your test, item, or service covered?

Search Medicare.gov for covered items

How often is it covered?

Medicare covers sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and/or Hepatitis B once every 12 months or at certain times during pregnancy. Medicare also covers up to 2 individual behavioral counseling sessions each year for people who meet certain criteria.

Who's eligible?

People with Medicare who are pregnant and/or certain people who are at increased risk for an STI when the tests are ordered by a primary care doctor or other primary care practitioner. Sexually active adults who are at an increased risk for STIs are also eligible for behavioral counseling sessions.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for STI screenings or counseling if the primary care doctor or primary care practitioner accepts assignment. Medicare will only cover behavioral counseling sessions if they’re provided by a primary care practitioner and take place in a primary care doctor's office or primary care clinic. Behavioral counseling sessions conducted in an inpatient setting, like a skilled nursing facility, won't be covered as a preventive service.