Recently diagnosed, How am I going to pay?

[jmhs]

Was recently diagnosed with HIV, but have not started treatment due to an upcoming potential lapse in insurance. After April of this year I will no longer have Medicaid and I don't know where to start looking for insurance plans that will help pay some of the cost, as I can not afford the monumental cost of the medication. I am 18 yo, in school full time and do not know where to start.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya

Welcome to the forums sorry to hear about your dignoisis and the insurance problems

How dignoised and what are your labs looking like? (Viral load & CD4 count)

i'm sure some of the USA based members can chime in regarding the cost not sure if the below links help:

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/paying-care-treatment

Best, Jim

[jmhs]

Don't know the exact name of the test but  was diagnosed through a blood test after experiencing symptoms. CD4 count was 165 and viral load was 556000

[Jim Allen]

Okay thanks for the update.

Have a look at the links I provided and let me know, I am sure someone will chime in who has experience with the system in the USA.

Look 135 CD4 and 500k VL is not the end of the world, although you do want to get on treatment as soon as practically possible. Have you spoken to the doctors at all regarding starting any preventive antibiotics?

Best, Jim 

[MitchMiller]

Most large cities have some type of HIV service organization that one can go to after they've tested HIV+.  That would be the place to start.  They are experienced in helping people get treatment with little financial means.

[leatherman]

1. check here: https://www.poz.com/directory

2. where were you diagnosed? They should have referred you to a clinic that can treat HIV. Are you already with a clinic (since you already have info from you first labs after a diagnosis, you must already be dealing with some type of infectious disease doctor)? They should be able to help you with case management or refer you to a case management agency.

3. google up the Ryan White department of your state's health department and contact them for referrals to HIV doctors and case management agencies. you can also see the financial eligibility requirements for Ryan White services in your state which can help understand what services you might be eligible for (ACA premium coverage, ADAP (hiv drug program) assistance, or full Ryan white coverage)

[OneTampa]

Posted the following a bit ago that lists treatment/services.

You can search for what's available in your area by entering your zip code:

Service Link:  https://www.greaterthan.org/find-services/

Best,

OT



POZ Forum Post: https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71760.0

[friendsfirst68]

I just started on Biktarvy 3 weeks ago and they gave me a copay card to cover the cost and I will be applying for ADAP which should cover the cost of the meds....In the first 2 weeks my viral load went from 61,200 to 778 I can't wait to see how low it goes by May 7 when i have my next appt.   Look into it!

[gafry53]

Try Universal Drug store and get Viraday for a good price  10% of what Gilead charges.  or try aids-drugs-oline.com for lower cost if you can not get financial help.