Medicare.gov

Sexually transmitted infection screenings & counseling

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers sexually transmitted infection screenings and behavioral counseling sessions if you’re eligible

  • Covered by Part B
  • You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment

Coverage details

Medicare covers:

  • Sexually transmitted infection screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and/or Hepatitis B if you’re eligible.
  • Up to 2 face-to-face, high-intensity behavioral counseling sessions. Each session can be 20-30 minutes long.

Who's eligible

  • You can get sexually transmitted infection screenings if you’re pregnant or at increased risk for a sexually transmitted infection.
  • You can get behavioral counseling sessions if you’re a sexually active adult at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Costs

You pay nothing if your primary care doctor or provider accepts assignment .

How often

  • One sexually transmitted infection screening every 12 months, or at certain times during pregnancy.
  • Up to 2 behavioral counseling sessions each year.

Facility

Your health care provider must order the screening or refer you for behavioral counseling. Medicare will only cover counseling sessions with a provider in a primary care setting (like a doctor’s office). Medicare won't cover counseling as a preventive service in an inpatient setting (like a skilled nursing facility ).