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JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) -The Jackson County Health Department would like to start charging a fee for STD testing, a service that is currently free to everyone.
Mary Riccardello, director of preventative health services at the department says they've been serving more and more people who don't live in the county.
"Within the last six to eight months, we've seen clients from other counties even from other states coming to our health department," said Riccardello.
She said the program mandated by the health code is integral in stopping the spread of communicable diseases, including STD's. The proposed fees would be $20 for non-residents and $10 for people who live in Jackson County.
"We want people to get help and be treated, but our program is struggling financially," said Ricardello, who estimated the tests truly cost around $100 per visit. "With the sequestration, we're not sure how those cuts will trickle down to the county budget and the budget is not as sound as it has been in the last several years."
Jackson County is prohibited from billing private insurance and uses a sliding scale where people pay based on their income.
The County Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposed fees at it's next two meetings. The first is later this month. Riccardello says even if the fee passes, no one will be denied services due to an inability to pay.
STD tests cost $28 in Ingham, $22 in Eaton (providing just Chlamydia), and $250 from private companies.
