Tag: HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

HIV Prevention Starts with Each of Us:Women and Girls Awareness Day and Let’s End the HIV Epidemic Together

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Every year on March 10th,  the U.S. observes National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HIV prevention and treatment are critical to reducing new HIV cases among women and girls.  Women and girls – as well as their partners, friends, and family members who care about them – are encouraged to learn more about how they can take control of their own health to prevent and treat HIV. HIV/AIDS is an equality opportunity virus. Any woman or girl who is sexually active can contract HIV/AIDS regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation. However, statistics show that African American and Latinx women and girls have a higher chance of acquiring HIV than their counterparts. [Facts https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/gender/women/index.html] There is great news! With today’s advancements in HIV/AIDS research and treatment it is possible to prevent HIV infection or passing the virus on to a partner or baby.  Some unique challenges women and girls face are related to STDs, which may increase the risk of HIV infection. Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) is addressing the specific needs of women and girls who could be exposed to the virus or living with HIV. Please take a minute to view this important message from Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. Follow these links to: Learn more about National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Find a local HIV testing or a healthcare provider, visit locator.HIV.gov. Find out more about PrEP at HIV.gov/PrEP and see if you qualify for the Ready, Set, PrEP at GetYourPrEP.com Together, we can stop HIV.

Open Enrollment Is Here!

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This year’s health insurance enrollment cycle began on October 15, 2018, and ends on January 15, 2019. Enrolling is easy and may be done a number of ways:

Covered CA Basics

Covered CA is the state’s health insurance marketplace where consumers may purchase new insurance, change insurance plans, or renew existing insurance coverage. Qualified individuals may also receive financial assistance to help pay for health insurance costs.

Health insurance plans available through Covered California are organized by metal tier—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Plans in the higher metal tiers have higher monthly premiums, but smaller co-pays. All plans sold through Covered CA provide essential health benefits including outpatient care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, laboratory tests, mental health care, and emergency services. There are five health carriers who offer a variety of plans in the County of San Francisco: Blue Shield, Chinese Community Health Plan, Health Net, Kaiser, and Oscar.

Sign Up and Renewal Dates

  • Sign up by December 15, 2018, for coverage starting January 1, 2019
  • Sign up by January 15, 2019, for coverage starting February 1, 2019

Need Help Paying For Health Insurance Costs?

Californians who are HIV-positive may access health insurance cost-savings programs through the California Office on AIDS. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)  and Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (OA-HIPP)  help pay insurance premiums, medication costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Enrollment into these programs must be done through a certified enrollment worker.

Get Help

Open enrollment can be a confusing time, regardless of who you are. If you are an HIV-positive San Francisco resident who needs assistance in exploring your options and/or enrolling in healthcare you can contact PRC for additional help and information:  415-777-0333.