Patient Profile: Out-of-Pocket Cost Burden for Patients Treating HIV/AIDS

Check out our latest patient profile on the challenge of out-of-pocket costs when it comes to managing HIV/AIDS. Our past profiles have explored other chronic conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and mental health.

Now, meet Tom. Tom is a 45-year-old, living in Washington. He manages a small dog-walking business where he earns $3,677 a month. Tom purchased a silver plan through the state health insurance exchange with a premium of $339 a month.  Tom has also been diagnosed with HIV and uses medication to manage the disease.  

Many patients with health insurance exchange coverage are learning about the challenge high out-of-pocket costs present for accessing needed treatments and services. Just last week, two new studies highlighted again that health insurance does not always translate to affordable care. With yearly out-of-pocket costs totaling more than 11 percent of Tom’s income (not including monthly premiums) he is considered underinsured.

Because of the high cost-sharing burden Tom faces to getting his needed medications, Tom may be faced with the choice to pay a large amount out-of-pocket up front or go without. Learn more in our latest interactive patient profile.

Visit the Access Better Coverage website for more on understanding health insurance and getting the information you need to choose the plan that is best for you and your family. And don’t forget to check out our other patient profiles:

Chloe managing a mental health condition

Eric managing chronic myeloid leukemia

Rebecca managing rheumatoid arthritis

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