However,there is no cure.
A lifetime of doctor’s appointments, testing, and treatments are needed to manage HIV.
And aside from being vital for survival, these treatments are expensive.
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This article discusses the relationship between the cost and the effectiveness of HIV treatment.
It also examines how lifetime cost varies depending on when treatment begins.
YakubovAlim / Getty Images
What Is Lifetime Cost?
HIV Care Expenses
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system.
It’s also from this point that HIV-care costs begin.
After that, it may be measured every six to 12 months.
Viral load is repeated every three to four months or as clinically indicated to confirm continuous viral suppression.
A good sign that HIV treatment is working is when CD4 count is high and viral load is low.
You will be prescribed ART medication shortly after your diagnosis.
In most cases, ART is taken every day.
This regimen may be adjusted based on your specific needs.
The rest may be covered by Medicare and discounts provided by ART manufacturers.
If you have Medicaid, you will typically not need to pay co-payments to receive ART.
These illnesses are known as opportunistic infections.
Each time you visit your doctor, you and/or your insurance provider will be billed.
Lab tests and medical visits can add up, though.
Research shows that early HIV diagnosis and treatment improves health outcomes and life expectancy.
For comparison, a healthy CD4 count for an HIV-negative person ranges between 500 and 1600 cells/mm.
For some people, the lifetime cost can be higher due to more years taking ART.
Many people live with HIV for several years before they are diagnosed.
In fact, an estimated 13% of people with HIV do not know they have it.
The lifetime cost of HIV medication is higher for a person who begins ART early.
The agency urges clinicians to “minimize patients' out-of-pocket drug-related expenses whenever possible.”
One team of researchers looked at the price difference between generic and brand-name ART drugs.
They found that taking generic drugs could lower the lifetime cost by an estimated 20%.
They cost less than their brand-name counterparts and are equally as effective.
The full list of generic drug options is available on the official National Health Institute website for HIV.
But it should not increase how many times per day you oughta take those pills.
If so, a single-tablet ART may be a better option for you.
Single-Tablet ART Regimens
A single-tablet regimen (STR) combines multiple drugs into one tablet.
There is always a chance that a drug will be temporarily or permanently discontinued from the market.
Or, prescriptions for each drug in an ART regimen may not be refilled at the same time.
STRs solve these problems, as there is only one tablet to keep track of.
Over half of Americans with HIV are covered by Ryan White.
you’re able to find out if you are eligible by callingyour state’s Ryan White program hotline.
An agent will point you toward healthcare providers in your area who participate.
Different PAPs have different eligibility requirements, but it usually depends on your income level.
Acommon PAP form for HIVis available, and many PAP programs may accept it.
Individual manufacturers may also have their own forms, so it’s worth checking their websites.
Clinical Trials
The search for ways to prevent, treat, and cure HIV is ongoing.
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medical approaches, drug manufacturers and researchers conduct clinical trials.
Depending on the trial, you may be able to participate.
Clinical trials often offer free medication and medical care in exchange for your time and help.
You may also receive money or gift cards, or be reimbursed for meals and transportation.
Understand going in that there may be risks involved, including unpleasant side effects.
Discuss the prospect of enrolling with your doctor.
If you are interested in an integrative care service, talk to your doctor.
Your doctor may also be able to point you toward an integrated HIV care clinic in your community.
HIV care is expensive and out of reach for most people without some assistance.
There are a variety of cost-saving programs and strategies that can help you reduce your lifetime cost.
You may be eligible for more than you might expect, so they are worth exploring.
If you are concerned about the cost of your HIV treatment, talk to your doctor.
Chances are there is anHIV support grouponline or in your community that you’re able to join.
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