UPDATE: Public Hearing for LB 891 is set for Wednesday, January 25 at 1:30pm in Room 1402, State Capitol, Lincoln NE 68509
Medicaid 1115 Waiver for HIV is a Bridge to 2014
There’s a catch 22 when it comes to HIV and Medicaid. Current law requires people living with HIV to wait until they are disabled by AIDS to qualify. Wouldn’t it make sense, and save a lot of money, if we treat people before they get disabled and keep them from becoming disabled? Early treatment is cost effective and prevents transmission.
There is a way!!
It’s called a Section 1115 Waiver for Medicaid. With this waiver a state, like Nebraska, could add flexibility to its Medicaid Program to cover low-income people living with HIV before they become disabled. Not only does this help keep people healthier and prevent the progression to AIDS, but it’s COST EFFECTIVE. It’s cheaper to care for and prevent people from progressing to AIDS that it is to pay for people who are already disabled. If people are healthy, they can WORK and contribute to the economy. Not only that, but a Nebraska doctor and researcher co-investigated the study proving treatment reduces the transmission of HIV by 96%! This is a no brainer in the fight to END AIDS. Read our fact sheet and learn more here!
Guess what? Nebraska lawmakers are hip to this idea! State Senator Jeremy Nordquist (Omaha) has introduced a bill (LB891) that would initiate the process for Nebraska Medicaid to expand coverage to low-income people living with HIV through a Section 1115 Waiver. Read it here.
What can you do?
It’s easy! Send an email to the members of the Health and Human Services Committee and ask them to advance LB 891. This is an opportunity for Nebraska to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Tell them! Find their contact info here. The hearing for this bill is scheduled for 1:30pm on Wednesday, January 25th.
Stay tuned for updates in regard to this bill and the effort to get it passed in the Nebraska State Senate. Take a minute to thank Senator Nordquist, as well as the other sponsors: Senators Conrad, Cook, Council, Howard, McGill and Mello, for taking a stand to care for those living with HIV/AIDS and leading Nebraska in the fight to END the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Find their contact information here.
Please contact Jordan Delmundo at NAP with any questions: 402.552.9260 or jordand@nap.org
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