Preventive care & screenings

Preventive care means taking steps to prevent or detect health problems early or before they happen. This involves getting regular check-ups and health screenings. It also includes testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. These tests vary by age, gender, and medical history. This applies to everyone who is sexually active, whether they’re straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

What types of prevention services are covered?

We cover various services to help prevent STIs:

• Vaccinations, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV infection.
• Testing and screenings, including HIV testing.
• Counseling for risk reduction and safer-sex practices. You may also need emotional support related to sexual health.

For more details, see our preventive health guidelines and benefit policies. Or call us for help. Use the customer service number on the back of your Blue Shield member ID card.
 

Health screenings, tests, and prescriptions

Some common preventive care and screenings include:

• Prescriptions for medications such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection)
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
• Immunizations, such as the Covid-19 and flu shots
• Hepatitis B
• Breast cancer 
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer, starting at age 45
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Anal pap smear (may not be covered as a preventive benefit)

Talk to your doctor about recommendations for screenings and preventive care. These will differ from person to person based on age, sex, and medical history.

If you are transgender, you may need to get tests and screenings for the body parts you have regardless of your gender identity. You may also need to get specific screenings based on your hormone therapy regimen.

For more information about screenings, preventive care, and LGBTQIA+ health, check organizations like these:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
   

Safer sex guidelines

Preventive care includes taking steps to protect your sexual health. Here are some tips for safer sex:

• Talk openly with your partner(s) about their sexual history and STI testing. Be clear about your boundaries. You might want to consider getting tested together.
• Know when to use condoms, dental dams, or gloves to reduce the risk of STIs.
• Get vaccinated for STIs such as HPV, and hepatitis A and B.
• Use plenty of water- or silicone-based lubricant to reduce the risk of injuries.
• Consider using PrEP if you are at high risk for HIV. This medication greatly reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex or drug use.

Schedule regular check-ups and talk openly with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized guidance to help you take care of your sexual health.
 

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