Big Top

by Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr.

Life can sometimes feel like a three-ring circus.

Juggling all of your responsibilities, while trying to find the right balance, is never easy. Managing your money, especially if you’re living with HIV, can be a daunting task—but many helpful tools at your disposal can tame the financial tiger.

It may not seem like a priority, but financial planning plays a vital role in managing your overall health. For example, it includes finding affordable care, keeping the money coming in if you’re ill, and planning for a well-deserved retirement after years of hard work—all necessary components of surviving and thriving with HIV. 

There’s no need to walk the high wire of money management alone. In this POZ Focus, you’ll learn about a number of services and benefits for people living with HIV/AIDS that can help you keep your balance.

Consulting a professional for financial assistance is sound advice. We’ll help you determine whom to consult and what to ask. Qualifying for disability insurance has shifted away from viral load and CD4 counts to debilitating side effects and serious complications from other diseases. We’ll help you figure out your chances of making the cut. If you’re already on disability insurance, we’ll help you review the advantages and drawbacks of returning to work.

Acquiring affordable care is a challenge, but it is possible. We’ll explore your options for private insurance and government programs, including AIDS drug assistance programs (ADAP), Medicaid and Medicare. Many pharmaceutical companies also offer financial assistance for the uninsured or people with private insurance who need help with their out-of-pocket co-payments.

So, step right up and enjoy your time under the financial big top!

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