NEWS FOR HIV+ PATIENTS

The Comprehensive Health Insurance Initiative (CHII) provides free health insurance to eligible HIV+ patients. Sponsored by DPH, AIDS Bureau and the Ryan White CARE Act, this program pays for premiums for private insurance plans, such as Tufts, Blue Cross, Harvard/Pilgrim, and Fallon. In addition to medical treatment and standard medication coverage requiring a co-pay, these plans will provide coverage for HIV Drug Assistance Plan (HDAP) approved drugs without a co-pay.

In order to qualify, Mass residents testing positive for HIV must be undocumented and unemployed; or working for someone else, with an annual income falling between 200-400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline ($16,480-$32,976/year per individual, allowing $2,200 per dependent) and ineligible for health insurance through his/her employer. If the patient is married, the spouse may only receive coverage if he/she is also HIV+. Patients must apply for HDAP before applying for this new program. Open enrollment for CHII lasts from September 15 through November 15, 1999. Medical coverage will begin December 1, 1999.

Sandy McLaughlin (X4-0050) and Chuck McCorkle (X6-5181) may assist patients applying for this program. The Community Research Initiative is administering this program, and can provide guidance for HIV+ patients who are self-employed. Please keep posted for information on any further expansion of CHII and/or Medicaid to service this patient population.

-Nicole Kalmanor, Patient Financial Services

9/99