February 1, 2012

Rising Caseloads, Lack of Funding Concern HIV Providers

Concerns over the rising amount of HIV cases and the decreasing amount of funding and reimbursement for HIV services were the two key findings from the second annual HealthHIV State of HIV Primary Care survey, according to a HealthHIV statement. The survey found that a low percentage for reimbursement for HIV services is a major obstacle between HIV service providers and individuals needing care, with more than a third of providers citing it as a barrier to expanding their practices. Other survey findings include: Nearly half of all primary care providers do not offer routine HIV testing to patients; barriers to care like stigma, limited English proficiency, and immigration and citizenship concerns still exist; and a majority of providers believe the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. health care reform, will bring about positive changes like insuring more patients and increasing patient access to care.  
 
To read the HealthHIV statement, click here.  

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Pat Johnson, Austin, Texas, 2012-02-02 11:50:25
Going on 29 years this month, living with HIV then AIDS, that an ASO is serve people living with AIDS. Luckily I live in Austin, that's community contributions along with city funding allow me to have contact regularly with my ASO, Janet Newton and access to other services that have improved the quality of my life.

P. Phelps, Palm Springs, 2012-02-02 02:34:31
12 years ago, I became a client with my local ASO. It was explained to me that one of the ASO's rules was that each client meet with a case worker every six months in order to continue to receive ASO benefits. Today, because of budget cuts, I no longer qualify for an assigned case worker. The only meeting with the ASO is an annual mass group re-qualification "class". Last year I didn't even bother. I know this means the ASO won't get some funding, but if the ASO provides no services who cares?