FINDING HELP WITH THE COSTS OF MEDICINES

In Virginia, there are a few ways that you can find help with getting the medicines needed to treat HIV/AIDS and the other problems related with having the virus.

For persons at or below 300% of the federal poverty income limit (or 315% in Northern Virginia), contact your local health department to enroll in ADAP – the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Visit http://www.vdh.state.va.us/std/adap.htm for more information on ADAP in Virginia.

Contact the local AIDS Service Organization to find out about programs that use Ryan White funding to purchase medicines or help with insurance co-pays. These programs vary widely around the state, so call someone in your city or county to get the real answers. Click on "Services In Your Area" at the VORAonline.org homepage.

If you use Medicaid, click on www.dmas.state.va.us/pharm-home.htm to learn about the Preferred Drug List.

To find out about pharmacy assistance programs run by the pharmaceutical companies, click on www.aging.state.va.us/prescripassist1.htm.

If you need help keeping your private health insurance, contact your local health department for information about a special Medicaid program that could benefit you.

Contact your health insurance company directly by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

Find out about clinical trials, too. Go to www.vdh.state.va.us/std/resourcecenters.htm.