Quick Answer
Yes. Medicare covers STD/STI screenings for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and HIV as preventive services at no cost. Medicare also covers two counseling sessions per year and treatments when medically necessary. Part D covers antibiotics, antivirals, and antiretrovirals.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part B) | Covered (Preventive) | Annual STI screenings and counseling at no cost |
| Original Medicare (Part B) | Covered (80%) | Diagnostic testing and treatment at 80% after deductible |
| Medicare Advantage | Covered | Must cover same preventive screenings; may add extras |
| Medigap | Covers Cost-Sharing | Covers the 20% coinsurance for treatment costs |
| Medicare Part D | Rx Coverage | Covers antibiotics, antivirals, and antiretrovirals |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part a & B)
Medicare Part B covers annual screenings for sexually transmitted infections as preventive services at no cost to you, provided your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. Covered screenings include tests for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and HIV.
To qualify for free STI screenings, you must be pregnant or at increased risk for an STI. Risk factors include having multiple sexual partners, a history of STIs, or engaging in unprotected sex. Medicare also covers up to two 20-to-30-minute face-to-face STD counseling sessions per year.
For HIV screening specifically, Medicare covers an annual test for individuals aged 15 to 65. Those outside this age range who are at increased risk can also receive annual screening. Pregnant beneficiaries can receive up to three HIV tests during pregnancy.
When STD/STI treatment is medically necessary, Part B covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and therapies at 80% after the annual deductible. You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.
What It Covers
- Annual screenings for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and hepatitis B
- Annual HIV screening (ages 15-65; at-risk individuals of any age)
- Up to two STD counseling sessions per year
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for pregnant women under 24 or at risk
- Up to three HIV tests during pregnancy
- Medically necessary diagnostic testing and treatment
What It Doesn't Cover
- Online STD testing kits purchased from third-party companies
- Testing not ordered by a Medicare-enrolled provider
- Screenings at facilities not enrolled in Medicare
Preventive screenings: $0 with Medicare assignment. Treatment: 20% coinsurance after $283 annual deductible (2025).
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same preventive STI screenings as Original Medicare at no cost. Many plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D) for STD medications, making it convenient to manage both testing and treatment under one plan.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits such as expanded STI screening or telehealth consultations. Always verify that your providers are in-network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs left after Original Medicare pays its share. For STD/STI treatment, a Medigap plan can cover the 20% Part B coinsurance, potentially reducing your treatment costs to zero beyond your monthly premium.
Since preventive STI screenings are already free under Part B, Medigap primarily helps with the cost of diagnostic testing and treatment when medically necessary.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D covers antibiotics for bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It also covers antiviral medications for herpes and other viral infections. Many of these drugs are available in lower-cost generic forms.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV is in one of Medicare's six protected drug classes, meaning all Part D plans must cover these medications. This ensures HIV patients always have access to lifesaving treatments.
STD/STI Testing and Treatment Costs with Medicare
| Service | Estimated Cost | Medicare Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Annual STI screening (preventive) | $0 | Covered at 100% (Part B) |
| HIV screening (annual) | $0 | Covered at 100% (Part B) |
| STD counseling sessions (2/year) | $0 | Covered at 100% (Part B) |
| Diagnostic STD testing | $50 - $300 | Covered at 80% (Part B) |
| Antibiotics (chlamydia, gonorrhea) | $4 - $50 | Covered (Part D) |
| Antiretroviral therapy (HIV) | $1,000 - $3,000/month | Covered (Part D, protected class) |
| Online STD testing kits | $50 - $200 | Not covered |
✦ Exceptions and Limitations
Online STD Testing Kits
Medicare does not cover STD testing kits purchased online from third-party companies. Testing must be ordered by a doctor and conducted at a Medicare-enrolled facility.
Age Restrictions for HIV Screening
Free annual HIV screening is available for ages 15 to 65. Those outside this range must demonstrate increased risk to qualify for coverage.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening Limits
Medicare covers chlamydia and gonorrhea screening specifically for women who are pregnant and under age 24, or women of any age at increased risk for STIs.
Provider Requirements
Your doctor must accept Medicare assignment and testing must be performed at a Medicare-enrolled facility for coverage to apply.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is a Licensed Medicare Expert at MedicareFAQ, helping beneficiaries navigate Medicare coverage options with clarity and confidence.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare.