Barriers to Care for Persons Living With HIV Post Affordable Care Act Implementation in Northern Indiana

Authors: Scott A* and Beidinger-Burnett H

DOI: 10.23880/phoa-16000103

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Through the lens of the Affordable Care Act, this phenomenological study qualitatively examined barriers to care for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Study participants (n=6) were PLWH who experienced at least a six month “gap in care” despite having or being eligible for insurance. The data demonstrates a minimization of traditional barriers to care and the emergence of two modern barriers. The complexity of the health insurance system and the lack of recognition of a gap in care have barred the participants from accessing consistent HIV care and as a result the virus remains transmissible for 80% of the participants. These results led researchers to recommend care coordination shift to a system where HIV is managed as a chronic disease with a focus on improving health literacy through education on viral suppression, continuity of care, and navigation of the health insurance systems.

Keywords: HIV infections; Continuity of patient care; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Insurance coverage; Disease management

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