Obama cares and we do too! The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and HIV advocates were on a mission at this year’s AIDS Run & Walk to make sure the HIV community “Gets Covered” with new health care options through Obamacare.
HIV advocates took to the starting line at Soldier Field to educate the community about new health care options and encourage people to enroll by Sunday, December 15. We handed out information, stirred conversations, and asked participants to commit to this:
“I pledge to Get covered/Stay covered with health care through Obamacare and make sure my ___(Family/Friends/Community/City)___ knows about the NEW health care options too!”
The Pledge asked participants to “Get Covered” under the new heath care options, if they were uninsured or underinsured, or to “Stay Covered” if they already had health coverage. In addition, we urged them to pass along information to others.
We were inspired by the community response and collected more than 500 pledges!
Obamacare is opening the gates of health care for Americans, giving previously uninsured people an opportunity to enroll in Medicaid or sign up for private insurance through online marketplaces. This new system offers affordable health policies from companies that have to play by a new set of rules (no more denial for pre-existing conditions, like HIV). Moreover, Obamacare offers income-based financial assistance to individuals and families that qualify, to help them pay for their insurance plan. Learn more at hivhealthreform.org/getcovered.
Since the first official U.S. report of AIDS in 1981, the HIV community has worked to reform our health care system to increase access to those who need it most. This year – after three decades of advocacy – it’s finally beginning.
Thank you for pledging with us to make a stronger, healthier community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ryan Singleton (312) 334-0913
WORLD OF CHOCOLATE: The Sweetest Event of the Year
Annual Holiday Gala Benefit Raises Funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Tantalize your taste buds with sweet and savory culinary delights at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s 12th annual World of Chocolate gala.
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, this one-of-a-kind soiree will take place on Friday, December 6 at Chicago Union Station from six to nine o’clock in the evening. It will be a night of decadence and irresistible chocolate creations, as well as a holiday party that celebrates progress made in fighting HIV/AIDS.
Guests will experience confections from dozens of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, restaurants, and caterers. Chicago A-list food critics will be in attendance and charged with crowning the night’s best creations. Attendees will also enjoy a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with lavish prizes, and music.
Last year, more than 1,200 guests indulged their senses with displays that included chocolate Christmas trees and a tropical paradise, while enjoying delicacies such as chocolate grilled cheese, white chocolate ganache, and chocolate infused tea.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s grant-making, policy, and public education programs.
World AIDS Day is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming that prevents the spread of HIV. December 1 has been observed as World AIDS Day since 1988, when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
For more information and to reserve tickets, call (312) 334-0935 or visit www.aidschicago.org/chocolate. Ticket prices and packages are as follows:
• General Admission: $125 (includes one event ticket)
• Red Ribbon Ticket: $225 (includes one event ticket, early VIP access, name recognition on event website, and electronic program)
• Bittersweet Bliss Ticket Package: $800 (includes four event tickets, early VIP access, name recognition on invitation, event website, and electronic program)
• Chocolate Ecstasy Ticket Package: $1,500 (includes eight event tickets, early VIP access, name recognition on invitation, event website, and electronic program)
Vendors will include: 90 Miles Café, Chocolat Uzma Sharif, Das Foods, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, DS Tequila, Hilton Chicago, Just Like U Like It Catering, Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, La Parisianne du Chocolat Company, Le Cordon Bleu, Loni Loo’s Homemade Candies, Mercat a la Planxa, minibar, RL Restaurant, Terry’s Toffee, tesori, The Peninsula, Sixteen, Uptown Brownie, Vanille Patisserie, Walgreens, Wow Bao, and Zed 451.
Lead sponsors are: Barry-Callebaut Chocolate, Gilead, Golin Harris, McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Splash Magazine, and Walgreens.
Supporting sponsors are: American Airlines, Bell Litho Printing, First Light Group LLC, Food for Thought Catering, John Gress Photography, Kehoe Designs, Orbitz, Paterno Group, Public Communications Inc., and Van Gogh Vodka.
Media Partners include: A&U Magazine, BestGayChicago.com, Chicago Magazine, ChicagoPride.com, GRAB Magazine, Gay Chic Magazine, and Windy City Media Group.
Click here to download this release. 
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Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
Annual event raises over $408,000 for life-saving HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and housing programs. Fundraising continues until October 31.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jillian Braun
312-558-1770 ext. 151
[email protected]
CHICAGO – Nearly 5,000 people turned out for the 12th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, September 28. The event raised more than $408,000 for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 35 other Chicago-area organizations that provide life-saving services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“Raising awareness and erasing stigma are at the heart of this event,” said Rhett Lindsay, AFC’s Director of Special Events. “Everybody is connected to HIV/AIDS somehow, through someone. The AIDS Run & Walk brings people together to participate in a healthy activity, raise money for a life-giving cause, and actively fight this epidemic. We’re truly thankful for all the runners, walkers, volunteers, and sponsors of the event.”
The opening ceremony at Soldier Field featured remarks by Greg Harris, who is openly HIV positive and serves the 13th District in the Illinois House of Representatives; Dr. Mildred Williamson, HIV/AIDS Section Chief at Illinois Department of Public Health; Joe Hollendoner, First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health; and David Munar, President/CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Post-race, top female and male runners received awards, and CeCe Peniston, a major recording artist, entertained participants and volunteers with soulful, dance-flavored R&B music.
Panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt were also on display, creating a sacred space around Soldier Field for a second year in a row.
The AIDS Run & Walk is about raising HIV awareness. AFC and Test Positive Aware Network offered free rapid HIV testing—made possible by a grant from the Chicago Department of Public Health—and safer sex kits. AFC’s advocacy team was also working hard, talking about changes to the health care system and how individuals can connect with new coverage for 2014.
And of course, the AIDS Run & Walk is about raising money for lifesaving HIV services. Since it was established in 2001, the event has netted more than $4.5 million to battle the epidemic. Money raised from this year’s event will benefit AFC and its CommunityDirect partner organizations, which offer HIV services and programs throughout Chicago.
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Christian Community Health Center, Greater Full Gospel Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese HIV Program, New Life Covenant, South Side Help Center, and University of Chicago (Care2Prevent).
Those serving the North Side are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, Chicago Woman’s AIDS Project (CWAP), Howard Brown Health Center, Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include The Children’s Place, CALOR, Mount Sinai Hospital, New Age Services, and Puerto Rican Cultural Center (VIDA/Sida).
Organizations that provide citywide services are AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA), FCAN, Heartland Alliance, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, MATEC, The Night Ministry, PACPI, and Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Agape Missions (NFP), Canticle Ministries, CBC Austin West Side Clinic, Open Door Clinic, and Youth Outlook.
Lead Sponsors for this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago include: Clear Channel, Dominick’s, Gilead, John Gress Photography, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Lottery (Spread the Word), Paterno Group, and PepsiCo.
Supporting Sponsors include: Aligned Modern Health, Bell Litho Printing, Chicago Department of Public Health, Exelon, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Illinicare, Marathon Sportswear, Northrop Grumman, Orbitz, Public Communications Inc., Seyfarth Shaw, Starbucks, ViiV Healthcare, and Walgreens.
Media Partners for the event: A & U Magazine, BestGayChicago.com, ChicagoPride.com, Gay Chic Magazine, GRAB Magazine, WGN (the CW), and Windy City Media Group.
For more information on how you can support HIV/AIDS research, awareness, and support programs in your community, visit www.AIDSChicago.org.
Click here to download this press release. 
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Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.
CeCe Peniston Set to Take the Stage at Annual Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2013
MEDIA CONTACT
Rhett Lindsay, (312) 334-0935
CHICAGO – The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is thrilled to announce CeCe Peniston as the entertainment for this year’s AIDS Run & Walk, which will be held at Soldier Field on Saturday, September 28.
Peniston is a major recording artist who has been producing soulful, dance-flavored R&B since 1990. Among those who have personally requested her to perform are Aretha Franklin, Pope John Paul II, and President Bill Clinton at both of his inauguration ceremonies. What’s more, after apartheid ended in South Africa, she was the first female entertainer to visit and perform there.
Peniston’s philanthropic efforts have supported those affected by HIV/AIDS, women and children in need, and people experiencing hunger.
The Run & Walk will feature a 5K race and a 10K, both with running and walking divisions. Registration is open at aidsrunwalk.org. Pre-registration prices are available through Wednesday, September 18; however, same-day registration will be available at regular price.
If you have any questions, please contact the event’s director, Rhett Lindsay, at [email protected] or (312) 334-0935.
Click here to download a PDF of this press release. 
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Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.
A historic day for Illinois, as the Medicaid bill to expand health care to thousands becomes law.
On Monday, July 22, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law SB 26, a bill that expands the Medicaid program in Illinois – implementing a key part of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The bill passed through both Illinois chambers this past legislative session and was sponsored by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) in the House and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) in the Senate.
Under an expanded Medicaid program, the state will provide health care to 342,000 more Illinoisans who currently don’t qualify for coverage because of income level or health condition, including thousands of people living with HIV. The federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost of coverage for the new Medicaid population for the first three years; after 2020, the federal government will pay 90 percent, and the state will pick up the remaining 10. SB 26 will bring an estimated $4.6 billion in new federal spending to Illinois, resulting in tens of thousands of jobs and new economic security for families.
“In the home state of President Obama, we believe access to quality health care is a fundamental right, and we proudly embrace the Affordable Care Act,” Quinn said.
Many thanks to our supportive legislators, partner organizations, and dedicated advocates who worked tirelessly on this piece of legislation.
Via Washington, DC – Today, the Supreme Court struck down a central part of the Voting Rights Act, invalidating crucial protections passed by Congress in 1965 and renewed four times in the decades since. The sharply divided decision will significantly reduce the federal government’s role in overseeing voting laws in areas with a history of discrimination against African-Americans.
We, America’s leading LGBT advocacy organizations, join civil rights organizations – and indeed, all Americans whom this law has served to protect – in expressing acute dismay at today’s ruling. Not only had Congress repeatedly reaffirmed the need for this bedrock civil rights protection, but authoritative voices from across America had filed amicus briefs urging the court not to undermine the law: the NAACP; the American Bar Association; the Navajo Nation; the states of New York, California, Mississippi and North Carolina; numerous former Justice Department officials charged with protecting voting rights; dozens of U.S. senators and representatives; and many others.
These varied and powerful voices attest to the self-evident reality that racial protections are still needed in voting in this country. As recently as last year’s elections, political partisans resorted to voter suppression laws and tactics aimed at reducing the votes of people of color.
Voting rights protections, which have long served our nation’s commitment to equality and justice, should not be cast aside now. The court has done America a grave disservice, and we will work with our coalition partners to undo the damage inflicted by this retrogressive ruling.
Center for Black Equity
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Equality Federation
Family Equality Council
Freedom to Marry
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC)
Human Rights Campaign
Immigration Equality Action Fund
Lambda Legal
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Lesbian Rights
National Center for Transgender Equality
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
PFLAG – Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Terlikowski
(312) 334-0931
Statement: AFC Applauds the Supreme Court’s Decision to Enable PEPFAR-funded Programs to Better Meet Sex Workers’ Needs
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end a decade-long anti-prostitution pledge. Previously, the policy required U.S. organizations to sign a statement that opposed prostitution in order to receive funding through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Citing that the policy contradicts the First Amendment, the Court’s ruling enables PEPFAR-funded programs to meet the needs of sex workers more effectively by reducing new infections. No longer will HIV-prevention organizations need to state that they are against the individuals they aim to help.
In addition, the Court’s decision helps to reduce stigma associated with sex trade, allowing people to be more open about their risk, their lives, and their needs.
AFC thanks the U.S. Supreme Court for ruling in favor of free speech, human rights, and health.
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Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.
MEDIA CONTACTS
AIDS Foundation of Chicago – Jim Pickett
[email protected]
+1 773 600 6407
RAND Europe – Claire O’Brien
[email protected]
+44-1223-273860
New International Report on HIV Prevention Urges Localized Consideration of Antiretroviral Strategies
First Report on Antiretroviral Drugs for HIV Prevention to Bring Science Together with the Wisdom of Communities
June 19, 2013 – To make an impact on new HIV infections globally, antiretroviral (ARV)-based HIV prevention strategies need to be closely tailored to local contexts and cultures, according to a new report released today by RAND Europe and AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
“‘Mapping Pathways: Developing Evidence-Based, People-Centred Strategies for the Use of Antiretrovirals as Prevention’ [available by open access online] provides an important resource to help communities, prevention programmers, funders and policymakers decide whether, and how, an ARV-based strategy could work in their locality,” said Jim Pickett, director of prevention advocacy at AIDS Foundation of Chicago and project director.
Last year, more than 2 million people globally became infected with HIV suggesting current prevention strategies are not doing enough to halt HIV transmission. Research suggests that some of the most promising prevention strategies are based on ARV drugs, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment.
“However, just because we know that ARVs can prevent HIV infection does not mean that we will, in practice, successfully implement their use in communities that need them,” said lead author Molly Morgan Jones, research leader at RAND Europe in Cambridge, UK.
Mapping Pathways is a community-led research project on the strategic use of ARV drugs for HIV prevention, involving RAND Europe, AIDS Foundation of Chicago and other partners in India, South Africa and the United States.
The group engaged more than 1,000 community respondents with an online survey and interviewed several dozen key stakeholders, including policy experts, program implementers, health care professionals and advocates. Participants rated the importance of various ARV-based prevention strategies, shared their perspectives regarding barriers to implementation and suggested the kinds of information they needed to make informed decisions about whether to implement any ARV-based strategy.
Additionally, an extensive literature review was conducted during 2011 and 2012 to assess the published scientific evidence. Detailed snapshots from these activities are highlighted in the report and provide rich, localized context that reveal the opinions and concerns of a wide array of individuals and underscore important gaps in the evidence.
Community members and key stakeholders in each country consistently agreed they must address three key challenges in order to maximize the prevention potential of ARV drugs:
• First, structural issues such as community-level living conditions that affect access, such as proximity to appropriate health care and other social determinants of health, are as important as individual-level behaviors.
• Second, more information about implementation is needed by policymakers, funders and prevention programmers in order to determine what mix of ARV-based prevention strategies, if any, are appropriate.
• The third challenge is to adapt ARV-based prevention strategies for local contexts, as reflected in the book’s foreword written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (“All science is local”).
The research found that within each country, and among varied types of people, the same sets of scientific data were interpreted and framed in different ways depending on the local context and perspectives. For instance, participants in South Africa and India tended to view the scientific data with more skepticism than individuals from the United States, so the successful adoption of ARV-based prevention strategies, such as PrEP, requires consideration of both the science and the local context.
“It is important to marry the published evidence with the wisdom of communities to make decisions on prevention programming that make sense locally, for communities to map out their own, unique pathways,” Jones said.
Moving forward, there are many considerations for the use of ARVs as prevention in localities.
“Different countries and communities are at different places,” said Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker, deputy director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation in South Africa and a Mapping Pathways partner. “We all have to ask policymakers, funders, and ourselves a host of questions. How will we implement a certain strategy? How will we pay for it? Is it for the generalized epidemic or is it only for certain key populations? What are the social factors that make certain populations vulnerable? Is this strategy ethical? Does it make sound public health sense? What won’t be afforded if we go this route? Who will benefit if we do?
“Meanwhile, we must continue to advocate and conduct implementation science so that we can show policymakers what is feasible and what the impact in the public sector could be.”
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RAND Europe is an independent not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through research and analysis.
Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.
Notes for Editors:
Project background: Launched in January 2011, the Mapping Pathways project brought together community-based partners in South Africa (Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation), India (Naz India) and the United States (AIDS Foundation of Chicago and AIDS United) to collaborate with researchers at RAND Europe. Unrestricted funding was provided by Merck & Co. for research and information dissemination activities, and to produce the book. Funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health through the Be the Generation Bridge initiative was used for dissemination activities led by AIDS United in 2012. The Gilead Foundation is providing unrestricted funding through 2013 to conduct knowledge exchange workshops with stakeholders in San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
Research methodologies used: The empirical evidence base was assessed through a systematic literature review; a grassroots community-based online survey to understand the awareness and concerns of individuals; semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and “grasstops” community leaders to identify information needs for decision making; and a Delphi-based, online ExpertLens survey to understand key differences, areas of divergence, and fault-lines in the way experts interpret the evidence.
June 27 is HIV Testing Day: The HIV community in the United States focuses during June on the importance of HIV testing, culminating in National HIV Testing Day. The gateway to ARV-based prevention strategies is testing; knowing whether one is HIV-positive or HIV-negative is imperative to ARV-based strategies. Mapping Pathways encourages everyone to get tested and know their status.
Further information:
Mapping Pathways blog – report, video and related resources available for download
Mapping Pathways page on the RAND Europe website – report, video and related resources available for download
1) Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Program transfer to federal program: The Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Program (IPXP) will transfer all enrollees to the federal Pre-Existing Condition Program (PCIP) effective July 1, 2013. The federal government made a decision to no longer fund state PCIPs because of limited funding. These programs were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a bridge to help people who could otherwise not get affordable health insurance because they have pre-existing conditions, such as HIV. Several hundred people with HIV are enrolled.
ACTION NEEDED: Anyone with HIV who is enrolled in IPXP should read the attached memo, watch their mail carefully, and send all information to ADAP as directed in the memo immediately to avoid coverage interruptions. ADAP will continue pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for HIV medications in the federal program, but enrollees must act immediately to make sure they are enrolled.
2) ADAP to require certain Cook County clients to enroll in CountyCare: COOK COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY! CountyCare is a new Medicaid program for Cook County residents ages 19-64 who are citizens or legal immigrants for five years and earning less than $15,282 for a single person. Because of the Ryan White payer of last resort requirement, anyone who is eligible must enroll within 90 days of receiving the ADAP letter (around Sept. 1). Once approved, clients will get medications through the CountyCare pharmacy network, which includes many neighborhood pharmacies. 150 or more ADAP clients who are receiving care at out-of-network facilities are likely to have to switch to an in-network provider, which could cause significant disruption for low-income people with HIV. For more information, check out AFC’s report and materials on CountyCare at www.aidschicago.org/countycare.
ACTION NEEDED: Read AFC’s CountyCare report at www.aidschicago.org/countycare. Agencies should work aggressively to help patients enroll (see attached document checklist in English and Spanish). If clients must transition to another provider, providers should work to maintain continuity of care. Clients who think they might be eligible should contact their case manager for assistance or call the County enrollment hotline at 312-864-8200.
Additional Information:
Click here to read the memo for IPXP enrollees
Click here to read the Illinois Department of Public Health’s memo on the impact to ADAP enrollment
AFC’s report contains additional recommendations for people living with HIV, Cook County, and the federal government.
AFC will hold three webinars for case managers and the community on CountyCare. Click here to register and learn more.
Please contact ADAP at 800?825?3518 or 217?524?5983 or any of us at AFC if you have questions.
May 2013 has been a banner month for the policy team at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). The Illinois General Assembly passed several key measures that will benefit people with HIV/AIDS and empower individuals and allow communities across the state to make healthy decisions and reduce HIV infections and stigma.
IL House Restores HIV/AIDS Funding to Budget:
A major victory occurred for AIDS advocates on May 28, when the Illinois House adopted a final state budget for fiscal year 2014 that reverses nearly all of Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed $4.27 million cuts from the HIV funding line. Under Governor Quinn’s proposed budget released in March, total state HIV spending would have dropped from $26.23 million in FY13 to $21.75 million in FY14. This week’s action by the House will restore $3.25 million of the proposed cut, allocating $25 million to HIV services.
Check out our other updates by clicking the Read More button below!
State Senate Passes Comprehensive Sex Ed Bill:
May 22 witnessed a massive win for supporters of comprehensive sexual health education. In partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and others, AFC played a major role in moving this legislation through General Assembly. The bill creates a standard for existing sexual health education courses in grades six through 12; provides medically accurate, age-appropriate, complete information on reducing sexually transmitted diseases and infections, as well as unintended pregnancies; ensures that local school districts can choose curricula that meet their community’s standards; and allows for parents to remove their children from sexual health education courses for any reason without penalty to their child. It was sponsored in the General Assembly by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago). The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature for enactment.
Senate Overturns Outdated, Stigmatizing Law:
On May 23, the Illinois Senate passed a bill to repeal an outdated law known as the HIV-Positive Student Principal Notification Law. In the 1980s, the state began mandating local health departments to report a child’s HIV status to the school principal, whenever a young person tests positive for the disease. Under this antiquated legislation, principals then have the authority to share a child’s HIV status with other school personnel. Illinois is the only state with such a law still on the books, despite no medical justification for this practice; the Senate’s vote puts us a governor’s signature away from toppling Principal Notification. This effort was spearheaded by Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) and Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago). The House approved the measure on March 7.
Medicaid Expands Under Senate’s Vote:
The Senate also approved a bill on May 28 to expand the state’s Medicaid program under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, sending the legislation to Governor Quinn’s desk for his signature. This will allow Illinois to extend Medicaid coverage to adults ages 19 through 64 who earn less than about $16,000 per year, including thousands of individuals living with HIV. Previously, people with HIV had to be totally disabled before they qualified for Medicaid. This measure was sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). The House passed the bill on May 27.
AFC Releases Groundbreaking Report on CountyCare:
Finally, AFC released a report this May regarding CountyCare, a new Medicaid program for uninsured adults in Cook County, formed under the Affordable Care Act. The report, CountyCare & the Ryan White Program: Working Together to Optimize Health Outcomes for People with HIV, outlines the importance of CountyCare and the role it can play in improving the HIV community’s access to health services. It also contains a number of policy recommendations for the city and state departments of public health, Cook County, and the federal government.
To learn more about the ways health care reform will benefit people with HIV, visit www.HIVHealthReform.org, a partnership between AFC and a number of national organizations.
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Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.