Men's Health Services

Women are always hearing about how important it is to schedule regular check-ups and  screenings in case of common and potentially life-threatening ailments, such as breast cancer and HPV. However, is it just as important for men to be conscientious about their health.  To help achieve this, a number of men’s health services are offered in the United States. Based on several factors—typically the patients‘ age, occupation, and/or financial situation—these services may be subsidized by the government.

Medicaid is a government health insurance program for individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements. Unlike Medicare, which is available only to seniors and people with very serious illnesses, people from any age group can be eligible for Medicaid. In order to receive benefits from this program, an individual’s income and benefits are assessed against specific benchmarks established by the state. The program is intended to help people who are unable to pay medical bills on their own, for whom survival of life is an everyday struggle. Standard men’s health services, such as routine exams, colonoscopies and prostate cancer screenings, can be covered through Medicaid.

Those serving in the military have access to a health benefit program called Tricare. All eligible beneficiaries receive coverage for regular visits to the doctor’s office, as well as more serious expenses such as hospitalization, immunizations, and treatment for mental health issues. As with Medicaid, the most common and crucial men’s health services, which include cancer screenings and cholesterol tests, are covered under Tricare.

Finally, while Planned Parenthood is typically viewed as a service for women, it offers a host of men’s health services as well. This includes medical services such as check-ups for reoccurring problems and screenings for testicular cancer, as well as treatment and counseling for sexual health concerns like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Under a program called Title X, Planned Parenthood facilities in most states are even able to offer heavily subsidized services to low-income households. 

SOURCES & LINKS:

•    U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, http://www.cms.gov/

•    Planned Parenthood, http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/men-4285.htm

•    Tricare, http://www.tricare.mil/

•    Government of the People, http://www.helpofothers.com/2011/06/17/government-of-the-people.html