Question on testing

[dan.woodlawn]

I have explained to my doctor that we are in an openish relationship...we dont play with everyone we meet, but it can be casual. So annually I get the run of tests and so far, clean.

If seems like folks are doing some testing frequently and other (more expensive) tests later.

can someone explain what they are doing, and why isnt insurance covering it? Should you run these tests through insurance or will they argue through some clause that you are not covered?

whats the big picture?

[NjbiGuy01]

Last time I got a test I had to pay a co-pay because my insurance didn't cover a full panel including STD's. There are clinics providing free testing all-over, which I would consider next time. My urologist was retiring and I figured I had nothing to lose, so I just asked for it and it came back clean, for which I am eternally grateful.

[Neonaught]

Insurance may not cover it because it is not considered a "medically necessary" procedure. Most STD's will show a symptom once you catch them, the exceptions being HPV and HIV. HPV you might as well not worry about since over 80% of the population has or has had it. Wife and I use HIV home tests kits called Oraquick that we get at the pharmacy for $45 a kit. Quick and easy. 54707

After taking the test we photograph the results with that day's newspaper to prove when the test was taken. Quite a few gay clubs and clinics offer free testing while you wait as well. If you are only doing oral and have a healthy mouth you are very low risk.

[playful808]

Our insurance is Kaiser, the have no problem with regular STD tests.
They even show you your the written results on their website.

[RisingBi]

I'm lucky to be living in Ontario, Canada, so all HIV & other STI tests are free, as often and whenever you wish, whether you get them from your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or a special community sexual health clinic or gay HIV testing wagon at some event, both at which it can even be anonymous if you wish. We are fortunate here! 🙏

[dan.woodlawn]

I'm lucky to be living in Ontario, Canada, so all HIV & other STI tests are free, as often and whenever you wish, whether you get them from your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or a special community sexual health clinic or gay HIV testing wagon at some event, both at which it can even be anonymous if you wish. We are fortunate here! 

Dang that socialized medicine...If only some countries (south of you) would consider it.

[Christopher South]

I live in Massachusetts and when I go to get tested at a LGBT clinic I provide insurance info. They told me that whatever insurance doesn't cover the state will because it's more important for people to get tested even if they can't pay for it.

[fredward]

I'm lucky to be living in Ontario, Canada, so all HIV & other STI tests are free, as often and whenever you wish, whether you get them from your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or a special community sexual health clinic or gay HIV testing wagon at some event, both at which it can even be anonymous if you wish. We are fortunate here! 

Amen, brother.

Here's wishing real public health insurance comes to our southern neighbours.

[Riderinthestorm]

I live in Massachusetts and when I go to get tested at a LGBT clinic I provide insurance info. They told me that whatever insurance doesn't cover the state will because it's more important for people to get tested even if they can't pay for it.

I have my medical through the VA and they do all of my testing quarterly, so I don't have a dog in that fight, but I really am hoping that we finally catch up to the rest of the industrialized nations and get universal health care.

[playful808]

A 50-year old, deeply closeted, gay man recently told me that
1) he is completely safe, 100% STD neg, and
2) he’s never been tested for any STD, ever.

!

Um, no. Man up and get tested.
You have some responsibility to the people you meet.

He had some rationalization prepared, I just don’t care.

No.

[NjbiGuy01]

[QUOTE=playful808;338315]A 50-year old, deeply closeted, gay man recently told me that
1) he is completely safe, 100% STD neg, and
2) he’s never been tested for any STD, ever.

!

Um, no. Man up and get tested.
You have some responsibility to the people you meet.

He had some rationalization prepared, I just don’t care.[QUOTE=playful808;338315]


Yeah, a whole lotta no....I speak to people online all the time that want to play bareback..nope, not gonna happen. Even if you showed me a test from an hour before, it's too risky....especially with gay or bi men...There are at-least two local guys (with sadly, amazing cocks) that "can't stay hard with a condom" or "can't find one that fits right"...umm no.

I've played with a few married couples where we all got tested and thankfully I've remained clean at was sexually active at 15 and I'm 62. I was never a condom fan, but male penetration ? ABSO (FUCKING) LUTELY.
No.

[CurEUs_Male]

<SOAPBOX>
Language: Tests are either Positive or Negative - "Clean" is not a test result, and the opposite would be ... Dirty? Language means a lot. I hve heard several pocasters talk about using the Positive/Negative language as it avoids causing some internal or external shaming of others during a conversation.

Another point on language - not all infections show symptoms in everyone. People can have an infection (STI) and not have symptoms, often considered the Disease (STD). This can be true for all the concerning and not so concerning infections we may pick up or share with our partners.

To the closeted gay guy that has never been tested, he is likely going to pick up something along the way. His body may clear it without symptoms, but some can sit dormant for years.


After the initial infection, the syphilis bacteria can remain inactive (dormant) in your body for decades before becoming active again. Early syphilis can be cured, sometimes with a single shot (injection) of penicillin. Without treatment, syphilis can severely damage your heart, brain or other organs, and can be life-threatening.
</SOAPBOX>

Locally, the PRIDE Center of Maryland runs free testing twice a week as part of the outreach, and posts it on Meetup https://www.meetup.com/Pride-Center-of-Maryland .
Take a look at your local support groups and see what they offer.

Planned Parenthood also offers screening, and are more likely to offer level of working with you on costs if needed than the big names like LabCOrp and Quest.


Personally, I have been out to my GP as Bi and as in an open relationship for years. He considered it "normal" when I first shared it on an intake questionnaire. I ask for STI panel with each annual physical and blood work, and I ask again about the 1/2 way point. Fortunately for me, my employer coverage picks up 90% of lab costs. No one has ever questioned need.

[emerging]

Great topic for this site. Thanks for sharing.

I would like to know how often people get tested vs how often you get new partners? I am on the cusp of entering into a FWB with another married man. I know I do not really need a test but will take a test to relieve his concerned and he will do the same for me.

Seems that tests can be anonymous, costs about $200 but some are free. Are any testing companies better than others? I live in Maryland, where do y'all go?

Thanks