FINANCING: Three New Kaiser Reports Detail HIV/AIDS ‘Patchwork’Coverage
The Kaiser Family Foundation has released three new documents examining the ways that HIV/AIDS care is financed in the United States. A brief summary of the reports is listed below:
- " Financing HIV/AIDS Care: A Quilt With Many Holes" -- This issue brief, part of Kaiser's " Capitol Hill Briefing Series on HIV/AIDS," states that while an "array of safety net programs" are available to both uninsured and underinsured individuals with HIV/AIDS, these "multiple sources of coverage and care ... are not well coordinated across programs," and often differ by state, resulting in varying "access across the country." Thus, "the current system of financing for HIV care represents a complex patchwork that leaves some outside the system and presents others with financial barriers to accessing needed care." The brief identifies the following as some of the policy challenges in broadening access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS: Encouraging both early care for HIV patients and HIV testing for all, improving quality of care for uninsured individuals and those publicly insured, and financing prevention services. To view this report, go to http://www.kff.org/content/2000/1607/financingisbrf.pdf. Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report (Kaiser Family Foundation, "Financing HIV/AIDS Care: A Quilt With Many Holes," October/2000).
- " Medicaid's Role For Persons With HIV/AIDS" -- This fact sheet examines the role of Medicaid as a source of financing for HIV/AIDS. Medicaid spending comprises 43% of total spending on care and assistance for HIV/AIDS, yet "Medicaid spending on HIV/AIDS represents only about 2% of total Medicaid spending." The fact sheet looks at Medicaid eligibility criteria, coverage and spending for people with HIV/AIDS. To view this report, go to http:/ /www.kff.org/content/2000/1588/Mcaidhivfs.PDF. Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report (Kaiser Family Foundation, "Medicaid's Role For Persons With HIV/AIDS," October/2000).
- " Federal HIV/AIDS Spending: A Budget Chartbook, Fiscal Year 2000" -- The third edition of this chartbook "provides the most recent spending data on federal funding for HIV/AIDS care, prevention, research and the international arena." It also documents "spending trends" going back to FY 1995. To view this report, go to http: //www.kff.org/content/2000/2200/spchtbk2000.pdf. Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report (Kaiser release, 10/29).