Medicare Covered Preventive Services to Include HIV Screening Tests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

New York, NY — Gay Men's Health Crisis applauds the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover HIV screening tests for Medicare beneficiaries, announced today.  The majority of Medicare beneficiaries are older adults who are increasingly at risk for HIV infection. 

"Increased testing for Medicare beneficiaries is vitally important," says Marjorie J. Hill PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "The detection of HIV is an essential step in both treating and preventing the spread of HIV.  Studies show that early detection of the virus leads to better health outcomes and longer life expectancy for people living with HIV/AIDS." 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) surveillance data from 2006 show that 15% of new HIV infections occurred among people over the age of 50, which was a 25% increase over the previous year.  Older adults make up a growing proportion of new HIV diagnoses.  Furthermore, HIV is often diagnosed at later stages in this population than among younger individuals.  According to the CDC in 2006, among people over age 60 who were newly diagnosed with HIV, more than 50% were dually diagnosed with AIDS at the same time.  Among people in their thirties, only 38% were dually diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. 

"Older Americans are at risk for HIV," Hill concluded.  "We commend the Administration for this important step toward preventing HIV among older adults."

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GMHC is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. Building on decades of dedication and expertise, we understand the reality of HIV/AIDS and empower a healthy life for all.