Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Nebraska AIDS Project: ACA means more patients can afford care, medications

About 2,000 Nebraskans live with HIV and AIDS. 200 of them are part of a program helping low-income patients get care and medication.

Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is underway through February 15th. Jordan Delmundo of the Nebraska AIDS Project says the ACA has been a “game-changer” for low-income Nebraskans with the disease. He says it’s helped them be able to afford medical care and expensive medications.

But Delmundo says challenges remain for HIV and AIDS patients, particularly in rural areas.

"Transportation is a huge issue, especially if you’re someone who is struggling with paying for your health care it can be very difficult to get to and from your medical provider. And especially if you live in a small community where people know who you are or maybe they are not as educated on HIV and they carry a high level of stigma with them, that can be a very difficult place for people to feel safe."

He says nationwide, some prescriptions are also being moved to higher tiers of drug coverage, meaning co-pays cost more.

Delmundo says before the Affordable Care Act, some low-income patients paid more than $1,000 a month just for medications. Now, he says they’ll pay $250 a month for insurance that covers care and medications.