Angier, maybe I can help you.
The cost of these coctails is about $12000.00/year, on top of that you have everything else.
About 4 years ago (before PIs) the cost of treating AIDS patients was placed at about $2300 pppm (per patient per month). The latest data show some decrease in these cost, because the decrease in the rate of complications, and hospitalizations. Remember, I said AIDS not HIV, back then few patients were treated before reaching late stages.
Overall we have had a decrease in the cost of treating AIDS patients, but an increase in the cost of treating HIV patients.
Coverage, Medicaid covers most of the treatment, there is a catch, the patient has to apply for disability and show they are basically destitute to qualify.
Health plans like HMOs may cover the treatments, but the problem is they do contract with HIV specialists, so many patients generally do not get good, appropriate care until late. |
