News 2013
Federal Insurance Marketplace Can't Yet 'Talk' To State Medicaid Agencies
The health law's online insurance exchanges were supposed to be a one-stop shop where consumers browsing for coverage could enroll in a private health plan or in Medicaid if they qualified.But that won't happen with the federal exchange being relied upon by consumers in 36 states, at least not initially. The federal website won't be able to communicate with state Medicaid agencies until at least Nov. 1 due to technical issues, federal officials said.
Read more: Federal Insurance Marketplace Can't Yet 'Talk' To State Medicaid Agencies
HIV Impact on Gay and Bisexual Men: The 4th Decade
Recently our country observed National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD), an observance that reminds us that HIV continues to take a heavy toll on gay and bisexual men across the United States. Even after more than 30 years of AIDS, this community remains at the center of the U.S. epidemic.
Read more: HIV Impact on Gay and Bisexual Men: The 4th Decade
Uneven Rollout of Medicaid Expansion Leaves HIV, AIDS Patients in Limbo
In states that aren't participating, thousands could miss chance for expanded coverage. William Wilson has one word for what health care reform means for him: freedom.Eleven years ago, Wilson was diagnosed with AIDS in Chicago. He had health insurance that he purchased as a self-employed graphic designer before his diagnosis. Wilson continued paying his health care premiums for a year and a half following his diagnosis, but said his health insurance provider denied the vast majority of his claims. Enormous medical expenses soon forced Wilson into bankruptcy. He says he could not obtain health insurance of his own because of his pre-existing condition.
Read more: Uneven Rollout of Medicaid Expansion Leaves HIV, AIDS Patients in Limbo
Survey in New York State: Are You HIV Positive?
If you are HIV positive and live in New York State, take the Leadership Training Institute needs assessment survey!
HIV is Not on Furlough
Today is Day Seven of the government shutdown. The NIH, CDC, and HRSA may be closed, but I can tell you one thing, HIV is not on furlough. According to data from UNAIDS, there have been nearly 38,000 new HIV infections and about 26,300 AIDS-related deaths around the world since Congress shut down the government on October 1 at midnight and our nation effectively stopped funding efforts to end the pandemic domestically and around the world.