Today, there are more than 100,000 people diagnosed with HIV living in New York City. Thanks to advances in treatment, they can manage their health, become virally suppressed, and live longer and with a better quality of life than ever before.
It is important for anyone living with HIV to make educated choices that keep them healthy and protect others. Studies have shown that early detection and treatment make a difference, so as soon a person is diagnosed with HIV, it is crucial he or she seeks medical care and begins HIV treatment right away.
Today, medicines to treat HIV–called anti-retroviral therapy or ART–are more effective and have fewer side effects. The sooner treatment begins, the less HIV can damage the body and immune system. In addition, once the virus is at undetectable levels, it cannot be transmitted to others. The medicine can keep each person with HIV healthy for many years if taken consistently.
Three Steps You Can Take If You Are Diagnosed with HIV
- Start the antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible after your diagnosis. Tell your health care provider about any issues that could interfere with taking your medicines every day. For instance, this might include a lack of money, housing instability, drug or alcohol dependency, transportation obstacles that make it difficult to visit the doctor regularly, etc.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations exactly as prescribed.
- It may take a few weeks or months to get your dosage just right, so be sure to tell your health care providers if you are experiencing any type of issue, as they may need to make an adjustment.
Amida Care Can Help
Amida Care’s Medicaid Managed Care Special Needs Health Plan (SNP), Live Life Plus, is specially designed to provide comprehensive health coverage and coordinated care to people living with HIV/AIDS and chronic conditions.
We focus on providing a unique care model of individualized attention and support to people with chronic conditions. Each member has the benefits available in regular Medicaid, plus they get the special care and support needed to get and stay healthy. If you are a Medicaid-eligible New Yorker, you may qualify for our Live Life Plus plan.
For More Information
Confidential answers are available at 1-855-GO-AMIDA (1-855-462-6432, TTY 711).