February is National Condom Month and one of the best ways to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy and the increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) ( also referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs) in Westchester and the U.S. is to practice safer sex and get tested. So, we’ve compiled a list on where to get free condoms in Westchester, NY along with free or low-cost STI teseting.
https://twitter.com/CDCSTD/status/703205378352230402/photo/1
Those who have Medicare and Medicaid are eligible for free STI screenings with healthcare providers who accept that insurance. The Affordable Care Act also requires health insurance providers to offer free testing for some STIs for certain individuals. For example, annual HIV testing is free for all adults; but only young and at-risk women are granted free chlamydia screenings, while men are not, according to HealthCare.gov.
Make sure you confirm what is covered by your insurance plan and any potential costs you may incur before you get tested or seek treatment. Basically, don’t get stuck with a crazy bill from your healthcare provider.
Though the Affordable Health Care Act does cover contraceptives for women (unless you work for a religious employer who refuses to offer it), it does not cover male condoms. Male condoms can get pricey and cost around $6 to $8 for a pack of three in 2016, according to LoHud.com.
So, if you don’t have health insurance and could use some free condoms, here’s a map of where you can get free and/or low-cost STI testing/treatment and condoms in Westchester…
(Click on the adorable condom icons for location details):
Westchester County offers free, anonymous STI testings, as well as free condoms, at its two clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Those who need to be treated, also get treatment to take home to their partner(s).
Here’s the schedule:
Westchester Medical Center AIDS Care Center – 100 Woods Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595(Located on the second floor of the Behavioral Health Center); (914) 493-7700
- Free STI Testing/Treatment; free condoms
Planned Parenthood also offers free or low-cost STI testing/treatment services depending on your income level and insurance, as well as free condoms. Here are the Planned Parenthood locations in Westchester:
- 6 Gramatan Ave, 4th Fl, Mount Vernon (914) 668-7927
- 247-249 North Ave, New Rochelle (914) 632-4442
- 175 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains (914) 761-6566
- 20 South Broadway, Yonkers (914) 965-1912
The LOFT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Services Center for the Lower Hudson Valley, at 252 Bryant Avenue in White Plains, also offers monthly HIV tests and always has a bowl of free condoms out for the taking.
Open Door Family Medical Center Sleepy Hollow – 80 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591; (914) 631-4141
- Free condoms; STI testing based on insurance or sliding scale fee
Open Door Family Medical Center Incorporated Ossining – 165 Main St, Ossining, NY 10562; (914) 941-1263
- Free condoms; STI testing based on insurance or sliding scale fee
Open Door Family Medical Center Incorporated Port Chester – 5 Grace Church St, Port Chester, NY 10573; (914) 937-8899
- Free condoms; STI testing based on insurance or sliding scale fee
- Free HIV testing; free condoms; other STI testings for hospital patients only
- Free HIV testing; free condoms; STI testing requires appointment and insurance
- Low-cost STI testing
- Low-cost STI testing
- HIV testing is open to the general public; free condoms; other STI testing is for targeted populations that include active substance abusers and those at risk for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis C, and individuals who have had unprotected sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol