Everything you need to know about accessing HIV care services.

Whether you’re getting tested for HIV to know your status or ready to start HIV treatment, both are important steps to take in your health care routine. Doing so will help you take control of your life, live healthy and strong and reduce HIV transmission. 

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), whether you’re living an HIV positive life or are at risk for HIV, you can gain access to health care coverage that meets your needs.

I have health insurance; will it cover my HIV care? 

In short, yes. However, it depends on a variety of factors, including: The type of health insurance you have, where you live, your income, employment, age, and health status. There may be out-of-pocket expenses, like premiums or co-pays, associated with HIV care when using health insurance.

I don’t have health insurance. Can I still get access to HIV care? 

Even without health insurance, there are several ways to access HIV care services like testing and treatment: 

• The Health Insurance Marketplace: Established under the ACA, this tool can help you find affordable health care coverage. If you are a low-income individual, you may qualify for lower care costs. Pennsylvania residents may also find affordable care through Pennie.com.

• Medicaid: Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income individuals, the elderly and those with disabilities. Eligibility varies by state, but under the ACA, people who weren’t previously eligible for Medicaid may now be covered without an existing AIDS diagnosis. 

• Medicare: Medicare, a federal health insurance, covers all HIV care for people aged 65 and older, and qualifying individuals under 65 with disabilities. 

• The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: If the resources above don’t work for you, this federal resource can help you get the HIV care you need.

A five-part system, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides HIV medical care, support services and medication for low-income individuals living with HIV through grants to states, cities and community-based organizations. 

• Free STI Testing: Whether you have health insurance or not, many health care centers offer free STI tests. Find accessible STI testing near you.      

Don’t skip the essential step of accessing HIV care services in your overall health care routine. Whether you have insurance or not, visit TakeControlHIV.com today to connect with care and resources that put your needs first.