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insurance -- what if a person has none Sep 7, 2000 what if? college student has no insurance, no real income. should he/she wait to get insurance or a job before finding out HIV status. I know you're doctors, and you have ethical obligations to care for patients, but this person has no means of support -- none. should they wait so that this is not a pre-existing condition? thanx |
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| Response from Dr. Squires
 If the person that you are referring to thinks that he/she may be HIV-infected, he or she should be tested to find out their status. If he/she is HIV positive, there a programs that will help with the cost of the medical care and the medications. These programs vary by state. If the person is tested in a public health facility, the test is usually free and the Social Services at the facility can assist in identifying resources. In addition, you can find CBO's or Community Based Organizations in most cities or regions that can help identify resources, physicians, housing or other services, if necessary, etc. It is important to find out whether HIV infection is a possibility so that treatment can be started, if appropriate for the stage on infection. The lack of health insurance should not be the reason to delay testing. Hope that this has been helpful. KS Kathleen E. Squires, M.D. | ||||||||
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