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HIV RESOURCES & INSURANCE GUIDANCE
A Safe, Understanding Place to Get Help
HIV affects people from all walks of life. While the LGBTQ+ community has been significantly impacted by HIV, people living with HIV include gay and bisexual men, heterosexual men and women, transgender people, and people of every age, background and circumstance.
If you're living with HIV, dealing with insurance can sometimes feel just as complicated as managing everything else.
You deserve someone you can talk to openly, without judgment and without worrying about having to explain or defend your personal circumstances.
As an insurance professional with experience helping people living with HIV navigate their insurance options, I understand that these conversations can be personal.
My goal is to provide a safe, confidential and comfortable place to ask questions and help you understand your options.
More Than Choosing an Insurance Plan
When you live with HIV, choosing health insurance isn't simply about finding the lowest monthly premium.
Your coverage may affect:
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Your HIV specialist and other healthcare providers
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Prescription medications
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Specialty pharmacies
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Hospitals and medical groups
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Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
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Copays and coinsurance
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Access to other healthcare services
That's why I encourage people to look at the entire picture when evaluating coverage.
The right plan isn't necessarily the cheapest plan. It's the plan that works for your healthcare needs and your life.
Understanding Programs That May Help
One of the things I believe is particularly important is understanding that insurance isn't the only resource available.
California has programs that may help eligible people living with HIV with medications, insurance premiums, medical expenses and other healthcare costs.
Understanding these programs can be complicated, and eligibility requirements can vary.
Some programs you may want to know about include:
ADAP
AIDS Drug Assistance Program
ADAP can provide assistance with HIV-related medications and, for eligible individuals, certain healthcare-related costs.
OA-HIPP
Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment
OA-HIPP may help eligible clients pay health insurance premiums, including premiums associated with certain private health plans.
MPPP
Medicare Premium Payment Program
For eligible individuals with Medicare, MPPP may help with certain Medicare premiums.
These programs can be especially important when you're trying to balance the cost of insurance with the cost of ongoing HIV care and medications.
I can help you understand how these programs relate to the insurance side of the equation and point you toward the appropriate resources.
You Don't Have to Share Everything
I understand that talking about HIV can be deeply personal.
When we discuss your insurance options, you decide what you're comfortable sharing.
My role is to listen, answer your questions and help you understand your choices.
Whether you've been living with HIV for many years, recently received a diagnosis, are changing insurance, or simply want to understand your options, you can talk to me privately and comfortably.
Health Insurance Options
Depending on your circumstances, I can help you understand options that may include:
Covered California
For individuals and families who purchase their own health insurance, Covered California may provide access to health plans and financial assistance for those who qualify.
Medicare
If you're eligible for Medicare, I can help you understand Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans and prescription drug coverage.
Employer Coverage
If you receive insurance through your employer, I can help you understand your options and how your coverage works.
Other California Programs
There may be additional state and local programs available depending on your circumstances.
A Resource You Can Trust
If you have questions about insurance, ADAP, OA-HIPP, MPPP or other programs, I'm happy to help you understand where insurance fits into the picture and direct you toward appropriate resources.
And if I don't know the answer, I'll help you find someone who does.
You deserve knowledgeable guidance without judgment.
Have questions about your insurance options?