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The HIV/AIDS Programs: Find HIV/AIDS Care
 

Learn More About Health Care


In the U.S., health care is delivered by private doctors, community clinics, hospitals, and other agencies. The cost of that care can be paid for in many ways, as follows:

Public Health Care Programs
Some people, especially those with low incomes, may not have health insurance or funds to pay for care. In addition, some people with HIV have private health insurance but still need help because their insurance does not pay for the care they need and they cannot afford it on their own.

The below chart lists the public health programs that can help pay for HIV/AIDS care and other health care needs. The largest programs are Medicaid, Medicare, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. These programs pay for care that is delivered by local and State agencies around the nation. 

Each program has rules and eligibility standards that are there to help manage costs and ensure that services get delivered correctly. Eligibility standards are mostly tied to the person's income and health status. Services covered under programs may vary. For example, some programs cover medications only. Others cover inpatient hospital care but others do not.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funds outpatient primary care, HIV/AIDS drugs, and supportive services for low income persons. It pays for care only when other public or private sources are not available. Visit the TARGET Center Community page exit to grantee site for Ryan White Part B state program contact information to learn more.

Programs That Pay For HIV/AIDS Medications

Support for HIV/AIDS drug treatments can come through private insurance, pharmaceutical assistance programs, and an array of public programs. Potential sources of assistance include the Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Medicare Part D, patient assistance programs Exit Disclaimer, and clinical trials.

Medicaid

Medicaid supports health care for low income individuals who meet eligibility requirements. Medicaid provides financial assistance for outpatient and inpatient care, as well as prescription drugs. It is a state-administered program, and each state sets its own guidelines as to eligibility and services.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that supports medical care for those who qualify based on work history, age, and disability status. Medicare coverage for eligible individuals includes outpatient care, prescription drugs, and inpatient hospital care.

Other Federal Health Programs

The Federal Government funds other health programs that include support for people living with HIV/AIDS, such as community health centers, substance abuse agencies, mental health agencies, and HIV/AIDS housing agencies.

Other State and Local Government Programs

Other state and local programs provide HIV/AIDS services for those who lack resources. Contact the Ryan White Part B program for your state for more information regarding available services.
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Private Health Insurance through Employment
For most people, health care is paid for by private health insurance that people get through their jobs. In some cases, the individual may have to pay for some costs, even if the individual has private insurance. State and Federal Rules regulate insurance, like how you can keep your insurance if you lose your job.
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Individual Health Insurance Policies
Some people buy individual health insurance policies, but they tend to be more expensive and require a pre-screening application that may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions like HIV disease.
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