This article discusses two meetings: The HIV Planning Council (HIV PC) that met on July 27, and The South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN) that met on Aug 4.
The HIV PC functions as the planning body for Ryan White Care Part A (RWC A). RWC A provides funds for medical treatment and some support services.
SFAN functions as the planning body for Ryan White Care Part B (RWC B). It has a strong networking and information sharing component. RWC B provides funds for health insurance payments, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and other non-medical HIV services.
HIV PC
The HIV Planning Council added six new members: Alondra Machado, Elizabeth “Kitty” Davis, Franchesca D’Amore, David Shamer, Jason Wynn, and Shawn Tinsley-Jackson. These six new members include one transgender woman, and one man living with HIV.
A major task of this meeting involved the priority setting and resource allocation process. In this process, the HIV PC ranks and allocates funds as part of preparing for fiscal year (FY) 2024 -2025. While only Congress can allocate funds, this process helps providers plan. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has defined these service categories. Providers report their progress in each service category back to HRSA.
When the HIV PC ranks a service category, it reflects that category’s importance to HIV care. Ranking does not depend on the amount of money involved.
In FY 2024-2025, RWC A will have 18 service categories. The categories with the top three ranks are listed below. Two services tied for a rank of one: Health Insurance Premium & Cost Sharing, and the Food Bank. Another two services tied for the rank of two: Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services, and Emergency Financial Assistance. Only one service category received a rank of three, AIDS Pharmacy Assistance.
SFAN
Joey Wynn, SFAN co-chair, reported that the Florida legislative session will begin earlier this year than last year.
MyFlorida.com stated that in odd-numbered years, the legislative session begins in March. In even numbered years, it can begin in January. These sessions last for 60 days.
Serena Cook (Dept of Health Broward) reported on RWC Part B. She said that for the last six years, Broward RWC Part B has fully utilized all RWC Part B funds.
Cook reported on the AIDS Drug Assistant Program (ADAP) of RWC B. Clients in ADAP had achieved a viral suppression rate of 93% (4,637 RWC B clients). Viral suppression prevents sexual transmission of HIV. Differences emerged between those RWC clients with health insurance and those without. Those without health insurance had lower rates of viral suppression.
In most US states, low-income people have access to Medicaid Insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA aka “Obamacare”). Ten states have refused to expand Medicaid eligibility. As a result, large numbers of low-income people in those states lack health insurance. Florida, like nine other states, has refused to expand Medicaid eligibility.
Emergency COVID policies allowed many low-income people in those ten states access to Medicaid. Tamika Johnson (Broward Health) reported that many of their clients were losing Medicaid. As a result, those clients have moved back into RWC. Now, RWC will have to pay directly for their medical care rather than for their insurance.
Announcement
The Intersection of Faith, and Health will take place on Aug. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. Fort Lauderdale.
Next HIV PC meeting date: Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m. at Broward Regional Health Planning Council, 200 Oakwood Lane, Suite 100, Hollywood.
Next SFAN meeting date: Sept. 8, at 10 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 N. E. 56th Street, Fort Lauderdale.
