Infectious Disease
How Much Does HIV / AIDS Treatment Cost?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives with near-normal life expectancy.
Mild
$15K — $25K
Moderate
$25K — $40K
Severe
$50K — $150K
Estimated Total Procedure-Based Cost
$400 — $667
Based on common procedures at commercial insurance rates (1.5x-2.5x Medicare)
Treatment Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis & Acute Treatment
8 procedures$400 — $667
$16 — $26
Medicare: $11
$20 — $33
Medicare: $13
$57 — $94
Medicare: $38
$70 — $117
Medicare: $47
Analysis for Antibody to Hiv-1 and Hiv-2 Virus
Analysis for antibody to HIV-1 and HIV-2 virus
CPT 86703
$21 — $34
Medicare: $14
Detection Test by Immunoassay Technique for Hiv-1 Antigen and Hiv-1 and Hiv-2
Detection test by immunoassay technique for HIV-1 antigen and HIV-1 and HIV-2
CPT 87389
$36 — $60
Medicare: $24
Detection Test by Nucleic Acid for Hiv-1 Virus, Quantification
Detection test by nucleic acid for HIV-1 virus, quantification
CPT 87536
$128 — $213
Medicare: $85
Detection Test by Nucleic Acid for Neisseria Gonorrhoeae (gonorrhoeae
Detection test by nucleic acid for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhoeae
CPT 87591
$53 — $88
Medicare: $35
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Costs
Before your appointment, ask these questions to avoid surprise bills
- "What is the total estimated cost for my HIV / AIDS treatment, including all follow-up visits?"
- "Are there less expensive treatment alternatives that would be equally effective?"
- "Can any of these procedures be done in an outpatient or office setting instead of a hospital?"
- "Will all the providers involved in my care (anesthesiologist, radiologist, etc.) be in-network?"
- "Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance for patients?"
- "What will my insurance cover, and what is my estimated out-of-pocket responsibility?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does HIV / AIDS treatment cost?
Treatment for HIV / AIDS typically costs $25K — $40K depending on severity and location.
Does insurance cover HIV / AIDS treatment?
Most health insurance plans cover medically necessary treatment for HIV / AIDS. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, copay, and whether you use in-network providers.