The AIDS Institute Recognizes HIV Testing Day

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, The AIDS Institute reminds individuals to get tested so that they can learn their HIV status. In order to advance HIV Testing Day, The AIDS Institute is promoting the fact that in many instances HIV testing can be free thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Additionally, The AIDS Institute is conducting a Congressional Briefing, in cooperation with the HIV Congressional Caucus, on Friday, June 26 in Washington, DC.

Under the ACA and its coverage of preventive services, testing for HIV is more accessible than ever because, in many instances, payers such as private insurers, Medicaid and Medicare will pay for the test. For example, the ACA requires most private insurance plans to cover, without patient cost-sharing, preventive services that have been given an "A" or "B" grade by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

The recommendation for routine HIV testing is an "A" grade. In states that have expanded Medicaid, newly eligible beneficiaries have coverage for preventive services without cost-sharing, including routine HIV testing. Eleven states have also opted to extend this coverage to their traditional Medicaid patients. All Medicaid beneficiaries have access to medically necessary HIV testing. Earlier this year, Medicare announced that it too would cover routine testing with no patient cost-sharing.

In an effort to assist patients, clinics, and providers on HIV testing reimbursement, The AIDS Institute has released its Coverage Guide for HIV Testing, updated with the new information on extended coverage by Medicare. The guide explains coverage of preventive services under the ACA and details coverage rules for HIV testing under various types of insurance, including private health plans, Medicaid, and Medicare.

The Congressional Briefing, titled "The Importance of HIV Testing: Policies, Programs, and Strategies" will focus on the importance of HIV testing, new testing technologies, current HIV testing policies and programs, including the impact of health care reform.

Speakers will include representatives of Alere (a diagnostic manufacturer), Whitman-Walker Health and The AIDS Institute. It will take place in 2226 Rayburn House Office Building from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Additionally, from 1-4 p.m. Whitman-Walker Health will provide free HIV testing in the Rayburn Health Unit (B344). To RSVP for the briefing, click here or contact [email protected].

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States, and approximately 50,000 new infections every year. About 14 percent of people living with HIV are unaware of their status. These individuals can unwillingly transmit the virus to others. Testing is the only way people living with HIV can take advantage of lifesaving care and treatment. The CDC and the USPSTF recommend HIV screening for everyone age 13-64 regardless of their risk, as well as more frequent tests for those at risk and pregnant women.

The AIDS Institute is a national nonprofit organization that promotes action for social change through public policy, research, advocacy and education.

For more information on HIV testing, including where to get tested, go to: www.gettested.cdc.gov or visit www.TheAIDSInstitute.org