Arkansas AIDS Task Force to Push for Insurance Reform
In a July 14 meeting, The Arkansas HIV/AIDS Minority Task Force discussed recommending to state lawmakers that insurance companies be required to cover people living with HIV in the state, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazettereports.
Wallace Thomas, MD, associate medical director at Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield, told the newspaper that he was surprised to learn that no law requires coverage of Arkansas’ 5,200 positive people. Thomas added that while insurers offer voluntary HIV/AIDS coverage in their policies, it is extremely difficult for uninsured people to receive coverage to help cover their HIV-related medical expenses.
“I won’t say it’s impossible, but it’s remote,” Thomas, part of the 19-member task force created in 2007.
NEW! Scroll down to comment on this story.
Please click OK to confirm your comment and confirm you accept our posting rules. Note your message will be reviewed by our staff before going live.
"I'm HIV positive and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary...about what to eat sometimes..."
