New in-depth profiles of 12 people with HIV highlight how the Affordable Care Act’s coverage expansions impacted their access to coverage and care. While some experienced serious bumps along the way, those who gained coverage through Medicaid and the Marketplaces were largely able to meet both their HIV and non-HIV care needs. At the same time, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program continued to play a role in HIV care and coverage, both for those who remained uninsured and for those who gained new insurance.
Drawn from one-on-one interviews conducted after the second ACA open enrollment period concluded in February, the profiles show that knowledge about ACA coverage increased over time and systems improved – and many had better experiences in the second round of open enrollment compared with the first. However, as policymakers consider the future of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in the era of ACA coverage expansions, the profiles underscore how the program continues to play a role in the lives of those with HIV, even with ACA coverage in place.
The brief is now available on KFF.org. For the latest on HIV policy, follow Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President and Director of Global Health and HIV Policy Jen Kates on Twitter: @jenkatesdc.