Indigent care in USA

[midland moe]

Hi this never occured to me but I read in another thread that people in the USA have the very real concern of not being able to have access to treatment. Since my diagnosis in April, I was sent to the public hospital in my city (after being treated for my OI's in the hospital I wandered into) and have been told that my state (Texas) offers free care to indigent patients. I havent had to pay one cent for doctor visits or medication and getting enrolled in the process was fairly easy...a couple short forms and some proof of income or lack thereof a meeting with a social worker and Ive been approved.

That being said, now my paranoid nature rears its ugly head....does funding for these programs change with political administrations? Bush has been pres for 8 years and at the end of his tenure I still got acess...can funding for my meds and treatment dry up or be withdrawn?

It would seem like such a cruel hoax to bring me back from deaths door, get me to undetectable viral load just to drop me like a bad habit, and leave me to my own devices to come up with the several thousand dollars a month it would take to get my atripla alone....

[BT65]

Midland, I wouldn't be too overwrought about things in the future. 

I believe access to treatment varies from state to state.  I would just try to keep up with the funding issues in your state.

[AndyArrow]

Midland,

Funding can vary from year to year based on local/state/fed finances so nothing is certain but it sounds like things are covered for you for right now and that is the main point.

If the hospital/doctors haven't already suggested it you might try contacting Basin Assistance Services 432-580-0713.  They can provide you with a caseworker to help with drs & prescriptions.  And I'm sure there are others in the area that I don't know so ask the doctors.

Good luck and I know easier said than done but try not to worry too much.  Get your health back before you take on the goverment redtape.

AA

[RapidRod]

midland moe, mine was all setup by the Hospital and Department of Health. When I was released from the Hospital it was all done and approved. I do have to go in once a year and update my files. 

[LittleOne]

Hi Midland,

There is a wonderful AIDS support group back home (Midland) and Judy
Warren runs it at the big church (sorry I cannot remember the name) however,
I know Judy's email address if you need it please just email me at
toughyou@aol.com I'd be glad to give it to you...

I have not been back out there in years but there is a lot of good in going
to the support meetings, and there is more than just "free medications"
that particular community is high support on so many levels, and Judy
is a wonderful advocate for so many.

Peace,

LittleOne

[Peter Staley]

LittleOne -- this forum is intended for our HIV positive members.  Please keep posting in our "Someone I Care About Has HIV" forum, but avoid the other forums if possible (you can also post in our "Off Topic Forum").

Thanks!

Peter Staley
AIDSmeds.com