Health Care & Insurance Reform

FY 2017 Budget Sustains HIV Funding, Requests More for PrEP, Opioid Epidemic

President Barack Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2017 modestly increases funding for domestic HIV services -- with $20 million allocated for a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pilot programand $9 million for HIV/HCV coinfection -- but flat funds HIV research and global AIDS assistance. The budget also address the growing opioid epidemic and includes efforts to expand Medicaid and reduce prescription drug costs.

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DHHS Proposes Rule Banning Health Service Discrimination Against Transgender People

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) last week introduced a regulation that would prohibit discrimination in healthcare access and insurance coverage on the basis of sex or gender identity, including denial of services related to gender transition or reassignment. The proposal also requires healthcare providers to improve communication services for people with disabilities or limited English language proficiency.

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New Guide Helps People with HIV and Hepatitis C Choose California Insurance Plans

Project Inform, the HIV and hepatitis C advocacy organization, has released a new guide to help people with HIV or hepatitis C navigate health coverage options under Covered California, the state's Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplace.

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Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Deadline Coming Up February 15

Sunday, February 15, is the final deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") health plans during the annual open enrollment period. Finding the right plan can be a challenge for people with HIV or hepatitis C and those who want coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is important to balance monthly premium costs, copays, and deductibles to best meet individual needs.

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Doctors & Advocates Demand Better Health Coverage for HIV & Hepatitis

Coverage of preferred drugs in treatment guidelines, access to expert providers, lower co-pays, and clarity about patient assistance programs are among the steps HIV medical providers and patient advocates recommend to ensure that people with HIV and hepatitis C receive adequate care and treatment under the Affordable Care Act, according to separate statements released this week.alt

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