The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-381) provides funding to states and other public or private nonprofit entities. The funding is to develop, organize, coordinate, and operate more effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential health care and support services to medically underserved individuals and families affected by HIV. The HIV/AIDS Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is the largest single source, next to the Medicaid and Medicare programs, of federal funding for HIV/AIDS care for low-income, un- and underinsured individuals.
The CARE Act was reauthorized in 2000 and the CARE Act Amendments of 2000 made legislative changes designed to improve and expand access to care, increase accountability, and enhance service capacity in underserved urban and rural communities.
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 is the most recent federal legislation impacting the program. It provides Arkansas with additional funding and flexibility to respond effectively to the changing epidemic. The new law changes how Ryan White funds can be used, with an emphasis on providing life-saving and life-extending services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The key change affecting Arkansas’ Ryan White Program is that at least 75% of the grant funds must be spent on "core medical services." Core medical services include:
- HIV-related medications through the Arkansas Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
- Laboratory Services
- Oral Health Care
- Primary Medical Care
The Arkansas Ryan White Part B CARE Program is funded by an annual federal grant. Its goal is to assist low-income, HIV infected individuals with the cost of specific health care needs. Benefits of the program are determined by federal guidelines and a state advisory council made up of representatives from health care, those with HIV disease, support groups, and state agencies. The Arkansas Department of Health, HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Section administers the program. Due to limited funding, applicants may be placed on a waiting listing until the program can serve them. |
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Arkansas receives funding from Part B of the Ryan White CARE Act. Funds are utilized to provide economic assistance for rent, utilities, transportation, health insurance, food, and nutritional supplements to individuals infected with HIV disease. These services allow individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance to access needed services.
The annual federal grant also funds ADAP. ADAP provides medications to low-income individuals who are infected with HIV disease. Qualified individuals have limited or no coverage under Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance that may provide access to medications for the treatment of HIV disease. As of August 1, 2006, Arkansas’ ADAP Formulary included fifty-one medications including all medications currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of HIV disease. In addition to federal funding, HIV Services acts as the ADAP provider for the state. Qualified individuals statewide receive medications through an ADAP-approved pharmacy, which offers walk-ins and mail orders.
For more information about Ryan White Program services (including ADAP), eligibility criteria, and how to apply, contact the district office that serves the county where you reside. |
