Why 2014 Can’t Come Fast Enough For HIV / AIDS Patients

Affordable Health Care for HIV/AIDS Patients.

Beginning January 2014, the Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, becomes effective, allowing all Americans living with Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, to select their own health care coverage plan without fear of being denied coverage under private health insurance policies for having a pre-existing condition.

Coverage Accessibility

The United State Health Department estimates that ?currently, fewer than one in five (17%) people living with HIV has private insurance and nearly 30% do not have any coverage. Medicaid, the Federal-state program that provides health care benefits to people with low incomes and those living with disabilities, is a major source of coverage for people living with HIV/AIDS, as is Medicare, the Federal program for seniors and people with disabilities.?? (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2013)

Due to the lack of coverage in the United States for pre-existing conditions, the statistics above show that many Americans have either had coverage through Medicaid or no coverage at all.? With the installation of the Affordable Care Act Americans who are in a lower-income bracket may now qualify not only for private health benefits that cannot be denied, but will also receive a tax break that will allow them to purchase and maintain benefits.

Deal or Dud?

For now it would appear the Affordable Care Act is a deal.? Opposed by some approved by other as a saving grace.? The benefits of improving access to insurance through private or public means outweigh the risks of having persons living with HIV or AIDS uninsured.? Additionally, eliminating this barrier to health insurance ensures those living with HIV or AIDS, receive quality care from physicians who understand and are trained in the field of infectious diseases.

Edited by: Jeromie Williams – Hat Tip:?U.S. Department of Health & Human Services?- Photo: Top News