Equity in STI Testing Act

This legislation aims to enhance public health by requiring comprehensive coverage for screening tests of specific sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across major federal health programs. It mandates that testing for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia be covered without any cost-sharing requirements for beneficiaries, eliminating copayments, deductibles, and other financial barriers.

The bill amends the Social Security Act to include these STI screenings as additional preventive services under Medicare Advantage plans, effective for plan years beginning after enactment. For Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), it adds these screenings to covered services and explicitly prohibits cost-sharing, with effective dates generally one year after enactment, allowing for state legislative processes.

Furthermore, the legislation extends these provisions to military and veteran healthcare systems. It amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code to ensure TRICARE covers these STI screenings for eligible members and former members of the uniformed services, explicitly prohibiting cost-sharing for TRICARE Prime and Select beneficiaries. For veterans, the bill adds a new section to Title 38, requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish these screenings to enrolled veterans without any copayment or charge, effective January 1 of the year following enactment.

Finally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services cover these STI screenings without cost-sharing for individuals receiving health services through the Indian Health Service, including Urban Indian Organizations, regardless of the purchased/referred care system. This provision takes effect on the first day of the calendar year after enactment, ensuring broad access to testing.