Institute of medicine urges restructuring of U.S. low-income HIV treatment and care.A Congressionally mandated study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Noun 1. Department of Health and Human Services - the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979 Health and Human Services, HHS has urged that the U.S. replace the current patchwork el Medicaid and other funding mechanisms with an HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. Comprehensive Care Program having "a strong locus on comprehensive and continuous primary care, substance abuse, and mental health services to support adherence to HAART HAART highly active antiretroviral therapy. HAART Highly active antiretroviral therapy, triple combination therapy AIDS The concurrent administration of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors–eg, AZT and 3TC, and a protease ." The proposed program, a Federally funded entitlement administered by. the states and meeting nationwide standards of treatment and of provider reimbursement at the Medicare (not Medicaid) rate, would be open to families up to 250% of Federal poverty level, but those with higher incomes and without access to private insurance could join on a sliding scale. The committee of 16 experts who produced the report estimated that this system would increase Federal spending $5.6 billion over 10 years, and prevent 20,000 deaths during that time. Thousands now go without treatment due to lack of funding, uncoordinated eligibility requirements, and other problems. The program would cost $4.2 billion less over the 10 years, however, if the government paid the same discounted prices for antiretrovirals as it currently pays for the Veterans Administration and some other Federal agencies. "Failing to provide these cost-effective, life-saving drugs to all Americans who need them--including individuals who lack insurance or cannot afford them-is indefensible," said the committee chair, Lauren LeRoy, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Grantmakers in Health, Washington, D.C. The Institute of Medicine announced the report on May 13, although only pro-publication copies were then available. Note: "entitlement" programs are those that provide coverage to all who qualify, instead of depending on annual appropriations. Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid U.S. government programs in effect since 1966. Medicare covers most people 65 or older and those with long-term disabilities. Part A, a hospital insurance plan, also pays for home health visits and hospice care. are entitlements; ADAP ADAP AIDS Drug Assistance Program ADAP Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program ADAP Agricultural Development in the American Pacific ADAP Autodiscovery/Autopurge ADAP Airport Development Aid Program ADAP Advanced Digital Antenna Production is not. This is why no one has to stop seeing their Medicare doctor or leave a nursing home when an annual fund runs out, while ADAP patients are put on waiting lists and denied treatment due to lack of funding. How to Get the Report Pre-publication copies of Public Financing and Delivery of HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Care: Securing the Legacy of Ryan White can be purchased--or read free online, through awkward software--at http://ww.nap.edu/catalog/10995.html. Pages 3-17 contain the text of the executive summary. |
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