HIV screening: who needs it, when and how often

When it starts, when it can stop

Starts: At 15. (USPSTF, 2019)
Can stop: The grade A range ends at 65. Older people at increased risk should still be screened. (USPSTF, 2019)

Who it is for

Adolescents and adults aged 15 to 65 years. Younger and older people at increased risk should also be screened. All pregnant people are covered by a separate grade A statement. (USPSTF, 2019)

Test and how often

At least once. (USPSTF, 2019)
Repeat testing is reasonable for people at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2019)

HIV test: what age, and how often after the first one

HIV testing: USPSTF 2019 and CDC
Who	USPSTF (2019)	CDC
Teens and adults	Everyone 15 to 65 at least once (grade A); younger and older people at increased risk too	Everyone 13 to 64 at least once
People at increased risk	Repeat screening is reasonable; no set interval	At least once a year
Sexually active gay and bisexual men	Repeat screening is reasonable	Every 3 to 6 months may help

The USPSTF found too little evidence to set the best interval for repeat tests. It says repeat screening is reasonable for people at increased risk and for people who get care in places where HIV is more common, such as STD or tuberculosis clinics, correctional facilities or homeless shelters. (USPSTF, 2019)

The CDC is more specific: at least once a year for people at higher risk, and every 3 to 6 months for some sexually active gay and bisexual men. (CDC, 2026)

Medicare Part B covers an HIV screening once a year if you are 15 to 65, or younger or older and at increased risk, and up to 3 times during a pregnancy. You pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment. (Medicare.gov)

Your doctor can help you decide how often to test.

If you are at increased risk, ask about PrEP, a medicine that lowers the chance of getting HIV. Read more: PrEP to prevent HIV.

The USPSTF lists an update to this topic as in progress. Until it is final, the 2019 statement above applies. (USPSTF, 2019)

Questions people ask

How often should you get tested for HIV?

At least once if you are 15 to 65 (USPSTF) or 13 to 64 (CDC). After that it depends on your risk. The CDC advises at least once a year for people at higher risk, and every 3 to 6 months may help some sexually active gay and bisexual men. The USPSTF sets no repeat interval for people without added risk. (USPSTF, 2019) (CDC, 2026)

At what age should you get an HIV test?

The USPSTF says 15 to 65, plus younger and older people at increased risk. The CDC says everyone 13 to 64 at least once. The two ranges overlap from 15 to 64. (USPSTF, 2019) (CDC, 2026)

Does Medicare pay for an HIV test every year?

Yes, once a year if you are 15 to 65, or younger or older and at increased risk. During a pregnancy Medicare covers up to 3 screenings. You pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment. (Medicare.gov)

Is the USPSTF HIV recommendation changing?

An update is in progress. On our review the USPSTF update page was last updated February 16, 2024 and showed no draft recommendation yet, so the 2019 statement still applies. (USPSTF, 2019)

Source

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, "Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Screening", final recommendation released June 11, 2019. Read it on uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Checked against the live page on 2026-10-28.