HEALTHCARE & MEDICARE

Commemorate National HIV/AIDS Aging Day

On September 18, we acknowledge National HIV/AIDS Aging Awareness Day. This observation respects the history of radicalism and medical advances, which makes HIV patients live longer and richer, while also attracting attention to support and advocacy for the elderly who continue to support and advocate for HIV.

Aging with HIV: A new reality

HIV aging is a relatively new phenomenon. Today’s HIV-Medicare beneficiaries live in an era where diagnosis almost always means serious illness and premature death. Many remember peers and mentors killed by the virus as political and medical institutions delayed.

HIV aging is a relatively new phenomenon.

Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy, the prospects for HIV patients have been greatly improved. Now, more than half of the people with HIV in the United States are over 50 years of age, and a 2020 study found that 28% of HIV patients in the United States are health insurance beneficiaries. These demographic trends clearly show that HIV prevention and treatment are issues and responsibilities of health insurance, and health insurance must meet its needs.

Get screening and medications through Medicare

Medicare Part B covers annual HIV screening for everyone aged 15 to 65, as well as HIV screening for those outside of their age group. During pregnancy, pregnant Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for up to three voluntary HIV screenings.

Following significant rule changes in 2024, Part B also covers FDA-approved Pre-Prevention Prevention (PREP), a preventive antiretroviral regimen that prevents HIV infection in patients at risk of viral infection. For those who already have HIV, Medicare Part D requires a prescription drug plan to cover all approved antiretroviral drugs.

Challenges for elderly people with HIV

Seniors with HIV face unique medical and social challenges. Diagnosis is often delayed, as early symptoms may be mistaken for normal signs of aging and are ignored during diagnostic testing. As a result, older people with HIV are more likely to be diagnosed when the disease is more ill, meaning treatment efficiency may be lower or accompanied by greater risk of side effects.

They are also at risk of developing co-occurring diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and decreased neurocognitive abilities. Long-term treatment may complicate things further, as the interaction between antiretrovirals and drugs for other diseases can lead to harmful side effects.

Society stigmatizes these medical challenges.

Society stigmatizes these medical challenges. Older people with HIV usually face discrimination not only because of their diagnosis, but also because of homophobia, ability or bias against those suffering from addiction. This stratified stigma can quarantine people from their communities and delay the care they need, which worsens their mental and physical health.

Build a community and fight stigma

Advocates stress that combating the spread and stigma of HIV, especially for older people, must be based on cross-efforts of health care and social support. This includes comprehensive healthcare services, social services, educational workshops, inclusive housing and an ever-evolving community care infrastructure. By focusing on dignity, inclusion and community, we can better support older people with HIV and respect the progress made and the challenges that remain.



Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button