Assessments of the coverage of HIV-related care by public programs: A survey of AIDS service organizations

AIDS service organizations (ASOs) were surveyed to identify effective services covered, and effective services not covered, by the Medicaid and Medicare programs, as well as programs funded by Title I and II of the Ryan White CARE Act. The Medicaid programs cover a range of effective health services, with prescription drug coverage mentioned most frequently by the ASOs. In addition to prescription drugs and physician services, the Title II programs offer a range of support-related services. The ASOs identified a blend of health and social services funded by Title I as most effective at meeting the needs of people with HIV illness. The Medicare program covers a range of health services necessary for the treatment of acute illness, except for prescription drugs. The ASOs identified the lack of Medicare coverage of prescription drugs as a major problem for people with HIV illness.