For Immediate Release
July 21, 2005
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Contacts:
Noel Alicea, 212.367.1216 |
GMHC RECOMMENDS NEW YORK STATE STRENGTHEN
HIV SPECIAL NEEDS PLANS FOR PEOPLE
WITH HIV/AIDS ON MEDICAID
NEW YORK—Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) today released a report that offers
recommendations to make HIV Special Needs Plans (SNPs) a better, more accountable
managed care program for HIV-positive New Yorkers who qualify for Medicaid. Entitled
Strengthening New York's Special Needs Plans for People with HIV/AIDS, the report
makes suggestions to policymakers and healthcare advocates on ways to improve SNPs
so that they are a viable, voluntary option for the state's 65,000 HIV-positive
Medicaid beneficiaries. SNPs were developed by the State in collaboration with
the HIV community and health plans to coordinate care for people with HIV, while
utilizing a managed care model to contain expenditures.
"HIV SNPs are slowly becoming a recognizable choice for Medicaid enrollees who
have HIV/AIDS, and it is important after two years of operation that we assess how
SNPs are faring at this point in time," said Ana Oliveira, Executive Director of
GMHC. "As Medicaid 'reform' takes center stage in the health policy debate, SNPs
will no doubt be looked at as a test pilot for the development of other models
of Medicaid managed care for populations with chronic diseases and disabilities.
We hope this report generates questions and ideas on how to best keep SNPs a
strong, growing option for New York's HIV-positive Medicaid enrollees."
Key highlights of the report include:
- Increased resources are needed for outreach and education efforts if SNPs
are to become a recognizable health care alternative for people with HIV/AIDS
- While preliminary data on SNP operations and consumer experiences are
favorable, much more data is needed to ensure beneficiaries have continuous
care during SNP enrollment and are able to access benefits they need once
enrolled
- The case management and care coordination benefit in SNPs, one of
the signature components of the program, needs improvement to reach its
full potential for beneficiaries
- SNPs should not become a mandatory Medicaid managed care program
in New York State until the report's "tests for success" have been met
Click here to view the full report.
* * *
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight
against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people
with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention,
treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling
this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming
the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians. We provide services and programs
to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS
in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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