50 years ago today, Medicaid was born to provide a health care program for low-income and limited-resources families and individuals in the U.S., including people living with HIV.
While, Medicaid is the largest source of health care and was a big victory for low-income people living with HIV in the U.S., 50 years later we are still battling to expand Medicaid. This battle is no more apparent but in the Southern U.S. where many states have not expanded Medicaid, and also contend with the highest rates of poverty and HIV in the nation.
Medicaid expansion allows for a large amount of support to become available to low-income families and people living with HIV with incomes before 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. Medicaid allows access to affordable treatment and health care. However, this crucial expansion is optional and so far only 30 States have opted in–allowing 5.2 million people to gain Medicaid coverage. Nearly 60,000 low-income people living with HIV live in non-expansion states.
The remaining 20 states, many of them in the South have failed to adopt the expansion, continuing to deny millions access to health care. If you live in one of the states that has not expanded Medicaid (click here: preventionjustice.org/this-... ), then on Medicaid’s 50th birthday, take action now to urge your state legislators to support Medicaid expansion!
Ryan White also continues to be an important safety net for people living with HIV in non-expansion states. Check out stories from the “Ryan White. Real Lives.” campaign on why we need to sustain Ryan White. The fight is not over, we must take action to ensure greater access to these lifesaving programs.
You can take action here as well: wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8...
Go to this link to also support key partners in the work: preventionjustice.org/this-...
