People living with HIV do not exist in a silo and we cannot address the spectrum of their whole-person needs without affordable insurance pathways to treatment and care. Medicaid covers 85 million Americans, which includes a quarter of all people living with HIV. It’s why we are educating our policymakers, partners, providers, and the workforce about the need to protect this crucial public health investment. 

In our quest to end the HIV epidemic among communities of color and LGBTQ people, NMAC recognizes the gains towards an optimal quality of life that have been possible due to Medicaid - especially owing to coverage in 41 of our 52 states, including DC. Proposed budget cuts and policy shifts under Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1) could cause millions to lose Medicaid coverage, disrupt continuity of care, and destabilize safety-net providers. 

Medicaid, in conjunction with federal programs such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and the Trump Administration’s Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, plays an essential part in helping people living with HIV access treatment, manage their viral suppression, and thereby prevent them from passing on HIV. The human life and healthcare cost gains we have achieved must be protected. 

NMAC and our partners will continue to support both the restoration of Medicaid benefits that were stripped as a result of H.R. 1 and Medicaid expansion throughout all 50 states. Our lawmakers have a responsibility to safeguard Medicaid for all constituents; especially those with chronic and preexisting conditions such as HIV. We will continue to stand in unison with partners across intersectional movements and employment sectors to ensure our communities are receiving the highest quality of care available. 

NEW! Policy Education Resource “Medicaid and the HIV Community.” View and download NMAC’s Medicaid factsheet here.

Cecelia Thomas, Esq is Chief Policy Officer, Strategic Partnerships and Policy, NMAC