| ■ Medicare May Cover HIV Screening | 2009.09.14 |
| Screening for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, would be covered by Medicare under a U.S. government proposal made Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. About 19 percent of all U.S. residents with AIDS are age 50 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This proposal to cover HIV screening for our Medicare population has great potential in terms of saving lives and improving the quality of life for many seniors, as well as beneficiaries under age 65," said Charlene Frizzera, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "Knowing about their HIV status can help patients live longer, fuller lives as well as avoid unintentional transmission of the virus to others," she said. According to the AP, the Department of Health and Human Services said coverage would extend to Medicare beneficiaries of any age who are at increased risk for the infection, including pregnant women, and those who request the service. |