Living with HIV in the USA: Treatment, Care, Funding
Every four years, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports HIV incidence studies. Compared to 2020, in 2021 the number of HIV cases decreased by 7%, but more than 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV. In 2020 alone, more than 36,000 people were diagnosed with HIV. Every seventh person does not know that he or she has HIV.
It should be noted that according to WHO, in 2015 HIV was excluded as a diagnosis from the list of deadly diseases. Its carriers are subject to registration in a special register along with recipients of antiretroviral therapy ARVT, financed from the state budget.
Who is affected by HIV?
The highest incidence of HIV in the United States is found among gay, transgender, African American and Latino people. The Administration recognizes that there is insufficient HIV prevention and treatment among these groups. The trend of higher incidence in the South of the United States is still relevant.
In 2021, the number of HIV cases between the ages of 13 and 24 decreased. Among other age groups, patients aged 25 to 34 years are in the lead. Moreover, 45% of people diagnosed with HIV belong to the African American ethnic group. 80% of people with HIV are male.
In the United States, 69% of HIV-infected people in 2020 were identified among gay and bisexual men, 24% were heterosexual. 7% were people who got the virus through drug use.
How does the US fight HIV?
Since 2019, the United States has adopted “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” with the support of the President. This plan is based on three strategies:
- early diagnosis;
- enhanced treatment;
- prevention, which includes free syringe distribution programs and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Report 2021: 40% of HIV patients do not receive free therapy
Almost half of HIV-infected Americans – 40% – do not receive medicines at the expense of the state. These are the data for 2021. In 2017, the situation was worse – more than 50% of those infected were deprived of free treatment. Many of them even report they had to take payday loans Gallatin, TN to afford medical treatment. Loan amounts range between $100 and $1,000 and are issued for 5-30 days. They are easy to get and repay. There is no collateral involved. The entire application process is online and you do not need to provide a lot of documents. If accepted for a loan, you should expect to have the money in your bank account within a few hours. Borrower requirements are relaxed all across the USA but there are some differences in each city. To get basic information about payday lending in your city, we recommend that you use reliable online portals like https://1stsouth.com. The resource can also be used to apply for a payday loan online, check out lenders’ ratings and read user reviews. The money can be spent on whatever needs, including the purchase of medicines. As soon as the resource processes your request, you will get connected to the most suitable lender. Keep in mind that such loans must be paid off in a timely manner as loan default may cause additional fees and penalties.
The fewer patients are in remission thanks to therapy, the higher the risk of new infections, experts say. The chances of an epidemic will decrease significantly if the state finds funds for medicines for 90% of patients, experts say. The Department of Health and Human Services plans to achieve this indicator by 2023.
As of November 2021, 60% of HIV-infected Americans were receiving antiretroviral therapy. This is stated in the report of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
A year earlier, only 50.1% of HIV-infected people were treated at the expense of the state. And in 2017, only 39.5% of those infected with the virus received the necessary drugs.
In the coming years, it is planned to increase the coverage of infected with antiretroviral therapy, noted in the report. Such a task is contained in the state strategy to counter the spread of HIV infection for the period up to 2020 and beyond. According to the document, in 2020, free drugs were planned to be provided to 60.2% of those infected. This year this figure should grow to 75.3%, and in 2022 – up to 90%.
If at least 90% of all infected people receive drugs, this “will significantly improve the epidemiological situation.
Who pays for HIV treatment in the United States?
HIV care and treatment include antiretroviral therapy (ART) and regular check-ups with your doctor who constantly monitors the patient’s health. Their task is to reduce (suppress) the viral load and choose a course of treatment. Moreover, it is compatible with the usual way of life.
There are three sources of funding in the United States for treating people with HIV.
1. Private insurance
Private insurance is similar to traditional health insurance, which a person pays for himself or receives from an employer.
The Affordable Care Act in the United States prohibits insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage for people with HIV.
In addition, if an HIV-positive person has a low income, he or she is entitled to free health insurance. Free doesn’t mean bad. The person himself does not pay any fees, the state pays for him. And the content of his coverage plan is no different. In capitalist America, the principle of equality and accessibility in medical care is perfectly observed.
2. Federal resources
To get started, you can contact your nearest HIV / AIDS center. Toll-free government HIV / AIDS hotlines can help you get in touch with agencies. And at the same place, they will select programs and services to which a person is entitled.
Another way is to find the program yourself. Here are some of them.
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income people, the elderly, people with disabilities and some families with children. It is an important source of insurance for many people living with HIV. Each state creates and administers its own Medicaid programs and determines the type, amount, duration, and scope of services under general federal rules. States are required to cover certain “must-have benefits”, and may provide other “fringe benefits”, including prescription drugs.
Medicaid rules are different in each state. Most states offer coverage for eligible adults with children. Under the Affordable Care Act, states have the ability to receive full government funding, thus, to expand the package of services for people living with HIV.
The Ryan White HIV / AIDS Program works with cities, states and local communities. Its goal is to provide services to more than half a million people living with HIV every year. The program is designed for those who do not have sufficient health insurance or financial resources to fight HIV infection.
Health center programs whereby health centers provide patients with high quality preventive and primary health care services, for example, HIV testing and medical care, regardless of their ability to pay. Some patients receive services directly from the center. Others are referred to a local HIV specialist. Major investments in health centers in recent years have greatly helped in the care of HIV patients.
3. Non-federal resources
This includes, for example, Patient Assistance Programs. They are marketed by pharmaceutical companies to offer free or low-cost antiretroviral drugs. This is especially important for people with low income living with HIV because they are not insured or not eligible for assistance programs, for example, Medicaid, Medicare, or AIDS drug treatment assistance programs. Each pharmaceutical company has different eligibility criteria for the program.
Are there any restrictions for immigrants with HIV?
HIV is not a ground for discrimination of rights and freedoms. Immigrants with HIV have the same rights as everyone else. The task of a person with HIV is to find the right insurance for themselves. If the employer does not pay it, and the income is low, then you can apply for federal support.
HIV treatment in the United States is a priority. Therefore, state authorities and patrons support various options for community organizations and support groups for HIV-infected people. The main goal is to ensure the highest quality standard of living in the process of treatment and to protect rights in society.