This paper reports on three Miami-based sources for patients living with HIV. They include AIDS Drug Assistance Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, and South Florida AIDS Network. The research discusses their services, the eligibility criteria, and the enrollment processes. It also reflects on their advantages and possible disadvantages for the patients. The paper proves that such sources can significantly improve the quality of patients’ lives.
AIDS Drug Assistance Program
The purpose of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is to provide access to life-saving medication for individuals living with HIV and AIDS who do not have insurance or prescription coverage (Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade, 2018). It offers services through the distribution of antiretroviral medications directly to clients or by the purchase of insurance covering the therapy. Eligibility criteria include the proof of living in Florida and the household income less than 400% of the federal poverty level, prescriptions for at least one antiretroviral medication, and the results of laboratory tests (Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade, 2018). Insured individuals should provide insurance documentation, the insurance card, and plan information. The fee schedule includes $100 per new ADAP enrollment and annual re-enrollment, $35 per bi-annual recertification, and $275 per new ADAP Insurance Assistance Program enrollment (California Department of Public Health, 2018).
The application process for enrolling in the program is simple. New members should apply for eligibility providing proof of the criteria mentioned above. To do so, they should schedule their appointment at the ADAP office via the Local County Department or Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline (“ADAP enrollment,” 2018). To enroll in the program, individuals need to have the patient care eligibility letter and the documents proving their eligibility. The program is free of cost for those who qualify for it.
The primary benefit of the program is that it provides access to medication for those who cannot afford it. It ensures that all individuals living with HIV have equal opportunities to receive treatment, which improves their quality of life. Moreover, the program eliminates the number of new infections as those receiving antiretroviral therapy is at lower risk of disease transmission. The possible disadvantage for individuals seeking help from this source is that if they have medical coverage but cannot afford therapy, they might not be eligible for the program as it works with a limited number of insurance companies.
The source can be integrated into the plan of care for HIV patients during the process of choosing the disease management treatment. For example, the program provides individuals with the opportunity to select the medication options that are more beneficial considering their health conditions and have fewer side effects. With ADAP, people who cannot afford treatment can be sure that their disease is under control since they can receive antiretroviral therapy.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Florida State program provides housing assistance and related services for low-income people living with HIV or AIDS and their families (Florida Department of Health, 2016). The goal of the program is to prevent homelessness among HIV-affected individuals, as well as to create long-term housing stability for them. If a person qualifies for the program, HOPWA can provide mortgage and tenant-based rental assistance, permanent housing placement, nutritional services, mental health treatment, and other types of assistance.
There are the following criteria for eligibility for the program: the total household income must have at least one person who has HIV or AIDS and must earn less than 80% area median income. Individuals enrolling in the program must have Florida residency (Florida Department of Health, 2016). The potential client must be enrolled in the program by contacting a case manager and providing the documentation of financial needs. It may include the proof of inability to afford rent, mortgage, or other housing-related payments due to the HIV status, or unexpected medical expenses. Sex offenders and individuals found to have manufactured or produced methamphetamine are banned from the HOPWA services.
The primary potential advantage of the program for valuable populations is that many individuals with HIV have unstable housing situations that can be improved with HOPWA’s assistance. For example, many people have to leave their job after the diagnosis and are unable to pay rent, mortgage, or utilities. The program provides a broad spectrum of services for people living with HIV and is aimed to improve the quality of their lives. If an individual is unemployed due to their HIV status, HOPWA can assist them in paying rent or medications. The program does not have potential disadvantages as it is available for many groups of population and the eligibility criteria are reasonable.
This source can be integrated into the plan of care for people with HIV by providing them with information on how their housing situation can be improved. If a medical professional is aware of the patient’s unstable income, it is necessary to inform them about the services HOPWA provides, as its assistance can help them to manage their conditions, as well as mental and physical health.
South Florida AIDS Network
South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN) provides client advocacy and case management and related services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS (Jackson Health System, 2018b). Currently, it is the largest comprehensive service in Miami-Dade County. Its services include educational sessions, free anonymous HIV counseling and testing, transportation assistance, and temporary shelter placement. SFAN also issues referrals to many services including psychological counseling, housing assistance, medical appointments, and substance abuse treatment programs (Jackson Health System, 2018b). To enroll in the SFAN program, individuals must meet several eligibility criteria, including Miami-Dade residency, HIV-positive status, and have proof of income. SFAN provides services at several hospitals and medical centers in Miami, including Jackson Memorial Hospital, the P.E.T. Health Center, and Holtz Children’s Hospital (Jackson Health System, 2018a). Many institutions provide free services on a walk-in basis, which means patients do not have to undergo an application process before becoming SFAN clients.
The primary benefit of the program is that it is available for a broad variety of patients living with HIV. Its eligibility criteria do not require specific financial or housing satiation. Moreover, SFAN offers referral services, which can significantly improve the quality of patients’ lives. Its main disadvantage is that it does not provide individuals with medications and does not sponsor antiretroviral treatment. However, the source offers other means of support that can be significant for people diagnosed with HIV.
SFAN can be integrated into the plan of care in many ways. For example, many individuals having HIV do not have training in family planning or sexual behavior after the diagnosis. The program allows them to obtain the necessary education, which can improve their perception of the illness. Moreover, with SFAN, individuals can receive psychological counseling; it can be a significant contribution to their mental health.
Conclusion
AIDS Drug Assistance Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, and South Florida AIDS Network can make a significant contribution to patients’ lives. They provide services free of charge, which makes them available for a large number of individuals. With these programs, people living with HIV can improve their housing situation, and receive necessary medications and treatment. The services can be integrated into the plan of care to increase its quality and benefits for the patients.
References
ADAP enrollment (2018).
California Department of Public Health (2018). Updated ADAP enrollment site fee schedule.
Florida Department of Health (2016). Florida State HOPWA program: Policies and procedures.
Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade (2018). AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
Jackson Health System (2018a). HIV/AIDS. Web.
Jackson Health System (2018b). South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN). Web.