News 2016
Large Increases in HIV Suppression Needed to Reduce New Infections in Critical Population
Time to take HIV medication
Achieving moderate reduction of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) will depend on significantly increasing the percentage of HIV-infected MSM whose viral load is suppressed to undetectable levels, according to a new mathematical model based on data from Baltimore. Access and adherence to antiretroviral therapy are key to sustained HIV suppression, which dramatically reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
Read more: Large Increases in HIV Suppression Needed to Reduce New Infections in Critical Population
Women Report Vaginal Ring for Preventing HIV Had Little Effect on Sexual Intercourse
Vaginal ring, a device that has shown to reduce risk of HIV infection
Most women who used an experimental vaginal ring for HIV prevention report that the physical act of sex was largely unaffected by using the product, which is inserted monthly for continuous wear. This finding is among several insights gleaned about experiences of women who used the ring during the ASPIRE study, also known as MTN-020, announced today at the HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P) meeting in Chicago.
Read more: Women Report Vaginal Ring for Preventing HIV Had Little Effect on Sexual Intercourse
Burwell Says Upcoming Enrollment Efforts Are Pivotal For Health Law
Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Rate hikes are likely on the way for plans offered on the health law's online exchanges, or marketplaces. Consumers' out-of-pocket costs are expected to climb, and some major insurers are pulling out.
Read more: Burwell Says Upcoming Enrollment Efforts Are Pivotal For Health Law
In This Issue
The Affordable Care Act prohibits health insurance companies from discriminating against people with serious illnesses, including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However this week we run a story about seven insurers who may be offering skimpy drug coverage to discourage PLWHA from signing up for their plans. Our friends at Kaiser Health News report.
7 Insurers Alleged To Use Skimpy Drug Coverage To Discourage HIV Patients
A woman is despondent because HIV meds aren't available
The health law prohibits insurers from discriminating against people with serious illnesses, but some marketplace plans sidestep that taboo by making the drugs that people with HIV need unavailable or unaffordable, complaints filed recently with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights allege. The effect may be to discourage people with HIV from buying a particular plan or getting the treatment they need, according to the complaint.
Read more: 7 Insurers Alleged To Use Skimpy Drug Coverage To Discourage HIV Patients