Health Care Stories: Partner Benefits Cost a Pretty Penny

Improved health care options like a federal public insurance plan would allow Michael’s partner to choose among competitive and affordable healthcare plans.  Without reform, he will be continue to pay exorbitant insurance premiums to manage his HIV medical needs. 

“I have a good job that thankfully covers my HIV medications and medical visits. My out of pocket costs are still more than $1000/year because my company only offers high deductible.

Still, once I max out, coverage is "free" for the rest of the year. My partner's healthcare is another story. He works part time and his employer does not offer any health benefits. For a while he was uninsured and relied solely on Ryan White services, which he didn't like (didn't like the attitudes of the doctors and nurses, the long waits).

They treated him like a charity case since he got the services for free. About three years ago, my company's policies changed and allowed domestic partners to be covered in the company's health insurance plan, which is great. What isn't great is the cost. I pay (pre-taxes) about $12,000 for his coverage. That's just under his annual wages and doesn't include co-pays.

He's covered but it takes a big bite out of our income. That's nearly 25% of what we earn TOGETHER! It's still worth it to have insurance but hardly affordable.” 

Michael, Illinois

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*Please note that actual names have been changed to protect individual's confidentiality.  Media interested in interviewing HIV-positive people about health-coverage issues should contact AFC Communications Director Johnathon Briggs at jbriggs@aidschicago or 312-334-0922.