Does Insurance Cover TB Test?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. A TB test is a way to determine if you have been infected with the bacterium that causes TB. If you suspect you have been exposed to TB, it is essential to get tested. But the question remains, does insurance cover TB test? This article will answer all your questions and provide you with the necessary information you need to know about insurance coverage for TB test.

What is a TB Test?

A TB test is a diagnostic tool used to determine whether or not you have been infected with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. There are two types of TB tests – the skin test and the TB blood test. The skin test is more commonly used, and it involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin of your forearm. If you have been infected with TB, your body will react to the PPD, causing a bump to form at the injection site.

The TB blood test, on the other hand, measures how your immune system reacts to the TB bacterium. The blood test is more accurate than the skin test, but it is also more expensive.

Does Health Insurance Cover TB Test?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that all health insurance plans cover the cost of preventive care services, including TB test, without any out-of-pocket cost to the patient. This means that if you have health insurance, you can get a TB test without paying any deductible, co-pay, or coinsurance. However, the coverage may vary from plan to plan, so it is essential to check with your insurance provider to know what your plan covers.

How to Check if Your Health Insurance Covers TB Test?

The best way to check if your health insurance plan covers the cost of TB test is to contact your insurance provider. You can find the contact information on your insurance card or call the customer service number. You may also check your insurance plan summary or policy documents to see if TB test is covered.

Here are some questions you can ask your insurance provider:

What if You Don’t Have Health Insurance?

If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get a TB test. There are several options available for low-cost or free TB testing. You can contact your local health department or community health center to see if they offer TB testing. You can also check with non-profit organizations like the American Lung Association or the National TB Controllers Association to see if they offer free or discounted TB testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should you get a TB test?

If you are at high risk of TB, such as healthcare workers, prisoners, or people with weakened immune systems, you should get a TB test every year. If you have been exposed to someone with TB, you should get tested immediately and again after a few months.

Is TB test covered by Medicare?

Yes, TB test is covered by Medicare if it is deemed medically necessary. You may need to pay a co-pay or deductible depending on your specific Medicare plan.

Can you get a TB test during pregnancy?

Yes, you can get a TB test during pregnancy. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider before getting tested to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

What happens if you test positive for TB?

If you test positive for TB, it means you have been infected with the bacterium that causes TB. However, it does not mean that you have active TB disease. You will need further testing to determine if you have active TB disease, and if so, what treatment is necessary. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you test positive for TB.

Can you get treatment for TB if you don’t have health insurance?

Yes, there are several options available for low-cost or free TB treatment if you don’t have health insurance. You can contact your local health department or community health center to see if they offer TB treatment. You can also check with non-profit organizations like the American Lung Association or the National TB Controllers Association to see if they offer free or discounted TB treatment.

Conclusion

Getting tested for TB is essential if you suspect you have been exposed to the bacterium that causes TB. The good news is that most health insurance plans cover the cost of TB test without any out-of-pocket cost to the patient. If you don’t have health insurance, there are several options available for low-cost or free TB testing. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you test positive for TB and get the necessary treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.