Patient Resources for Persons Living with HIV

Today, an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States. Thanks to better treatments, people with HIV are now living longer and have a better quality of life than ever before. If you are living with HIV, it's important to make choices that keep you healthy and protect others.

What support services are available?

The Ryan White Program assists North Dakota residents living with HIV or AIDS with incomes at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) to access confidential health and support services.

What is the Ryan White Program?

The Ryan White Program is a federal program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) designed to provide a comprehensive system of care including primary medical care and essential support services for low-income people living with HIV.

North Dakota receives Part B funding which is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).

To qualify for North Dakota Ryan White Program, an individual must:

be HIV positive
be a resident of North Dakota, and
have a gross household income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($49,960 for a household of one).

What services are available through the Ryan White Program Part B?

Ryan White Program Part B provides case management and reimbursement for medication and insurance premiums through AIDS Drug Assistance Program or ADAP, and core and support services including outpatient medical care (including dental, mental health, and substance abuse), medical transportation, and short-term emergency assistance. For more information, or to apply for the Ryan White Program Part B, please contact a Ryan White case manager in your area, or call NDDoH at 800.472.2180 for more information.

What is AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)?

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) helps ensure that people living with HIV and AIDS who are uninsured or underinsured gain access to medications for the treatment of HIV and related conditions. ADAP covers the full cost of the medications on the ADAP formulary for the uninsured clients, and assist with the copays, deductibles, and insurance premiums for the insured clients. Medications are reimbursed at Medicaid rates, and can be obtained at any North Dakota Medicaid participating pharmacy.

Is housing assistance available?

Housing Opportunities for People with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) is a federal program that offers housing assistance and case management to low income persons living with HIV. The North Dakota program is referred to as Tri-State Housing Environment for Living Positively (HELP). For more information, contact the Community Action Agency in Bismarck at 701.258.2240.

Where can I find an HIV healthcare provider?

Most HIV-related medical care in North Dakota is provided by infectious disease providers. North Dakota does not have any Ryan White Part C clinics.

What other medical assistance is available?

The cost of medical care and treatment for HIV may be a deterrent for those that are uninsured or underinsured and do not qualify for Ryan White or public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. The following options are available to obtain health coverage, or assistance with the cost of medication through the drug manufacturing company.

Individuals and families that are not eligible for public programs (e.g., Medicaid or Medicare), or have affordable employer coverage offered to them, can apply for health insurance through the Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov or by calling 1.880.318.2596.

Medication assistance is also available through Patient Assistance Programs through the drug manufacturer. These programs assist with the cost or co-pay associated with HIV medications. Uninsured or underinsured individuals can contact their pharmacy or the drug manufacturer for information on available assistance, or fill out the Common Patient Assistance Program Application and follow the instructions to mail to each drug manufacturer.

Common Patient Assistance Program Application (CPAPA): https://www.nastad.org/sites/default/files/resources/docs/cpapa_form_fillable_2019.pdf.
Companion Document: https://www.nastad.org/sites/default/files/resources/docs/nastad-cpapa-companion-document_2019.pdf.

Are there support groups in North Dakota?

There are a number support groups throughout North Dakota hosted by Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) and we encourage you to attend. Transportation may be reimbursed through the Ryan White program.

Where can I refer my partners for testing or get free condoms?

Free HIV and hepatitis C testing, condoms, and safer sex information are available at Counseling, Testing, and Referral (CTR) sites in North Dakota. Some of the CTR sites also offer STD testing for free or at a discounted cost.

What do I need to know about COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a viral disease that causes respiratory symptoms ranging from fever, cough, and shortness of breath, to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and possible death. It is spread from person through person through respiratory droplets.

Persons living with HIV who are immunocompromised, are not virally suppressed, or have other health conditions are at increased risk for being more sevely affected by this disease. For more information on how to protect yourself and prepare for COVID-19 please visit Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

CDC COVID-19 Resources: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
CDC resources on HIV and COVID-19: www.cdc/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specificgroups/hiv
National Health Law Program: https://healthlaw.org/coronavirus-resources

Additional HIV Resources