Health Care Stories: Real Stories, Real People

People with HIV shouldn’t have to choose between getting a job and losing access to public benefits.  Health care reform would allow Thomas’ wife to buy comprehensive, affordable health insurance that would provide access to prescription drug coverage with reasonable co-pays.  In addition, individuals would not pay have to pay more than 11% of their income on out-of-pocket costs, freeing Thomas and his wife from being forced to choose between paying for medications or paying the rent. 
 

“I am a disabled veteran.  I get my health care from the VA, however, my wife is not eligible for VA healthcare.  I earn 352% of the FPL [Federal Poverty Level] (for a household of 2).  While my wife is unemployed she gets ADAP, however, if she gets a job we would go over 400% [of the FPL].  Then we would have to pay 100% of my wife’s health care out-of-pocket.  My wife’s prescriptions alone cost almost $20,000/yr.  My wife would need to get a job that earns close to $30,000/yr so that she could pay taxes and afford her health care.” 

Thomas, FL

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*The individuals profiled in this post are sharing their real-life story and image to put the current healthcare-reform debate in context. 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.