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| Connected CommunityParents : HIV / AIDS |
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| HIV / AIDS
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 positive (CD4+) T cells, a type of white blood cell that is vital to fighting off infection. The destruction of these cells leaves people infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections, diseases and other complications.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stages of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that kills or damages cells of the body's immune system.
HIV most often spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person. AIDS may also spread by sharing drug needles or through contact with the blood of an infected person. Women can give it to their babies during preganancy or childbirth.
The first signs of HIV infection may be swollen glands and flu-like symptoms. These may come and go a month or two after infection. Severe symptoms may not appear until months or years later.
A blood test can tell if you have HIV infection. Your health care provider can perform the test, or call the national referral hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (24 hours a day, 1-800-232-4636 in English and en español; 1-888-232-6348 - TTY).
There is no cure, but there are many medicine to fight both HIV infection and the infections and cancers that come with it. People can live with the disease for many years.
(Sources: ; www.MedLinePlus.gov) |
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| NY State Programs for Uninsured / Underinsured
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New York State provides four programs to residents who are uninsured or underinsured with HIV infection. These programs are:
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides free medications for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections. The drugs provided through ADAP can help people with HIV/AIDS to live longer and treat the symptoms of HIV infection. ADAP can help people with partial insurance or who have a Medicaid spenddown requirement.
ADAP Plus (Primary Care)
ADAP Plus (Primary Care) provides free primary care services at selected clinics, hospital outpatient departments, office based physicians and lab vendors. The services include ambulatory care for medical evaluation, early intervention and ongoing treatment.
HIV Home Care Program
The HIV Home Care Program provides coverage for home care services to chronically medically dependent individuals as ordered by their physician. The program covers skilled nursing, home health aide services, intravenous therapy administration, medications and supplies and durable medical equipment when ordered by a doctor for specific conditions. Services must be provided through a home care agency which has enrolled in the program.
ADAP Plus Insurance Continuation Program (APIC)
APIC can pay for commercial health insurance premiums for ADAP eligible clients. APIC will pay for the continuation of a cost effective policy for people presenting to the program who: have existing coverage purchased directly from an insurance company or agent, coverage through their employer where the employee contribution for the coverage creates a financial hardship or COBRA coverage when a person loses their job and cannot afford the premiums. Policies considered for payment must be comprehensive and provide full prescription and primary care coverage without annual coverage caps.
To find out more, visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/resources/adap/index.htm or contact the HIV Uninsured Care Program:
HIV Uninsured Care Programs
Empire Station
P.O. Box 2052
Albany, NY 12220-0052
Program's Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
In State - Toll Free 1-800-542-2437
Out of State - (518) 459-1641
TDD - (518) 459-0121 |
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| HIV / AIDS - Local Resources
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AIDS Rochester, Inc.
1350 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 442-2220
Toll free: 1-800437-0157
Fax: (585) 442-8713
Web site: www.aidsrochester.org
Email: education@aidsrochester.org
Provides continuum of programs and services for people infected with, and affected by, HIV and AIDS.
HIV Uninsured Care Programs
Empire Station
P.O. Box 2052
Albany, NY 12220-0052
Program's Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
In State - Toll Free 1-800-542-2437
Out of State - (518) 459-1641
TDD - (518) 459-0121
Livingston County Reproductive Health Center
2 Murray Hill Drive
Mt. Morris, NY 14510
(585) 243-7540 or 1-800-243-9240
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