scholarly journals 883. Evidence from a Multistate Cohort: Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Qualified Health Plans Results in Viral Suppression

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S19-S20
Author(s):  
Kathleen A McManus ◽  
Bianca B Christensen ◽  
V P Nagraj ◽  
Elizabeth T Rogawski McQuade ◽  
Renae Furl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Assistance Program

Abstract Background In individual states, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been associated with improved viral suppression (VS) rates for AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) clients or low-income people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aims to assess whether this association is consistent in multiple states (Nebraska, South Carolina, Virginia). Methods The multistate cohort included ADAP clients who were eligible for ADAP-funded Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). Data were collected from 2014 through 2015. A log-binomial model was used to estimate the association of demographics (age, race/ethnicity, sex, AIDS, rurality, HIV risk factor, previous VS) and healthcare delivery factors (income, previous ADAP plan, previous HIV care engagement) with QHP enrollment prevalence and 1-year risk of VS. Results For the cohort (n = 7,800; 5% NE, 36% SC, 59% VA), 52% enrolled in ADAP-funded QHPs with enrollment ranging from 35% to 63% by state. Enrollment in ADAP-funded QHPs in 2015 was higher for those who had ADAP-funded QHPs in 2014 (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.21–3.35) and those who were engaged in care in 2014 (aPR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–1.27), and it was lower for those with a rural residence (aPR 0.91; 95% CI 0.81–1.00). Of those who were consistently engaged in care (n = 4,597), as defined by one viral load in 2014 and one viral load in 2015 separated by at least 180 days, those who received medications from Direct ADAP had a VS rate of 80.2% and those with ADAP-funded QHPs had a VS rate of 86.0%. The number needed to enroll in ADAP-funded QHPs for an additional PLWH to achieve VS is 18. Those who achieved VS in 2014 (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.30–1.48) and those who enrolled in QHPs in 2015 (aRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.99–1.13) were more likely to achieve/maintain VS. Conclusion Additional efforts should be made to reach rural PLWH for QHP enrollment. State ADAPs, especially those in the South and those in states without Medicaid expansion, should consider investing in purchasing QHPs for PLWH because increased enrollment could improve VS rates. This evidence-based intervention could be a part of “Ending the HIV Epidemic.” Once ADAP clients are enrolled in ADAP-funded QHPs, they stay enrolled, and QHP enrollment is associated with VS across states and demographic groups. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

scholarly journals Evidence From a Multistate Cohort: Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Qualified Health Plans’ Association With Viral Suppression

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 2572-2580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen A McManus ◽  
Bianca Christensen ◽  
V Peter Nagraj ◽  
Renae Furl ◽  
Lauren Yerkes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
The United States ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Adjusted Risk

Abstract Background Healthcare delivery changes associated with viral suppression (VS) could contribute to the United States’ “Ending the HIV Epidemic” (EtHE) initiative. This study aims to determine whether Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) purchased by AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are associated with VS for low-income people living with HIV (PLWH) across 3 states. Methods A multistate cohort of ADAP clients eligible for ADAP-funded QHPs were studied (2014–2015). A log-binomial model was used to estimate the association of demographics and healthcare delivery factors with QHP enrollment prevalence and 1-year risk of VS. A number needed to treat/enroll (NNT) for 1 additional person to achieve viral suppression was calculated. Results Of the cohort (n = 7776), 52% enrolled in QHPs. QHP enrollment in 2015 was associated with QHP coverage in 2014 (adjusted PR [aPR], 3.28; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 3.06–3.53) and engagement in care in 2014 (aPR, 1.16; 1.04–1.28). PLWH who were engaged in care (n = 4597) and had QHPs had a higher VS rate than those who received medications from Direct ADAP (86.0% vs 80.2%). QHPs’ NNT for an additional person to achieve VS is 20 (14.1–34.5). Starting undetectable (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.39; 1.28–1.52) and enrolling in QHPs in 2015 (aRR, 1.06; 0.99–1.14) was associated with VS. Conclusions Once enrolled in ADAP-funded QHPs, ADAP clients stay enrolled. Enrollment is associated with VS across states/demographic groups. ADAPs, especially in the South and in Medicaid nonexpansion states, should consider investing in QHPs because increased enrollment could improve VS rates. This evidence-based intervention could be part of EtHE.

scholarly journals Current Challenges to the United States’ AIDS Drug Assistance Program and Possible Implications of the Affordable Care Act

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen A. McManus ◽  
Carolyn L. Engelhard ◽  
Rebecca Dillingham
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
State Funding ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
The Affordable Care Act ◽  
Living With Hiv

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, enacted through the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990, are the “payer of last resort” for prescription medications for lower income, uninsured, or underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS. ADAPs face declining funding from the federal government. State funding of ADAP is discretionary, but some states increased their contributions to meet the gap in funding. The demand for ADAP support is increasing as people living with HIV are living longer; the antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines have been changed to recommend initiation of treatment for all; the United States is increasing HIV testing goals; and the recession continues. In the setting of increased demand and limited funding, ADAPs are employing cost containment measures. Since 2010, emergency federal funds have bailed out ADAP, but these are not sustainable. In the coming years, providers and policy makers associated with HIV care will need to navigate the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Lessons learned from the challenges associated with providing sustainable access to ART for vulnerable populations through ADAP should inform upcoming decisions about how to ensure delivery of ART during and after the implementation of the ACA.

Dose Response Effects of Digital HIV Care Navigation on Mental Health and Viral Suppression among Young People Living with HIV (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Arayasirikul ◽  
Caitlin M Turner ◽  
Dillon Trujillo ◽  
Jarett Maycott ◽  
Erin C Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Young People ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Social Inequities ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic has revealed considerable disparities in health among sexual and gender minorities of color within the Unites States, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans women. Social inequities further disadvantage those with intersectional identities through homophobia, anti-trans discrimination, and racism, shaping not only those at-risk for HIV infection, but also HIV prevention and care outcomes. Digital interventions have great potential to address barriers and improve HIV care among MSM and trans women; however, efficacy of digital HIV care interventions vary and need further examination. OBJECTIVE This study assessed 12-month efficacy of a 6-month digital HIV care navigation intervention among young people living with HIV (YPLWH) in San Francisco We examined dose-response relationships between intervention exposure (e.g. text messaging) and viral suppression and mental health. Health electronic navigation (eNavigation or eNav) is a 6-month, text message-based, digital HIV care navigation intervention, in which YPLWH are connected to their own HIV care navigator through text messaging to improve engagement in HIV primary care. METHODS This study had a single-arm, prospective, pre-post design. Eligibility criteria for the study included: identifying as a man who has sex with men or a trans woman; being between the ages of 18 and 34 years; and being newly diagnosed with HIV or not being engaged/retained in HIV care or having a detectable viral load. We assessed and analyzed sociodemographic, intervention exposure, and HIV care and mental health outcome data for participants who completed the 6-month Health eNav intervention. We assessed all outcomes using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for within-subjects correlation, and marginal effects of texting engagement on all outcomes were calculated over the entire 12-month study period. Finally, we specified an interaction between texting engagement and time to evaluate the effects of texting engagement on outcomes. RESULTS Over the entire 12-month study period showed that every one-text increase in engagement was associated with an increased odds of undetectable viral load (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00 – 1.02, p = 0.03). We found that mean negative mental health experiences decreased significantly at 12 months compared to baseline for every one-text increase in engagement (coefficient on interaction term: 0.97, 95%CI = 0.96-0.99, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Digital care navigation interventions like Health eNavigation may be a critical component in the health delivery service system as the digital safety net for those whose social vulnerability is exacerbated in times of crisis, disasters, or global pandemics due to multiple social inequities. We found that increased engagement in a digital HIV care navigation intervention helped to improve viral suppression and mental health – intersecting, co-morbid conditions – 6-months after the intervention concluded. Digital care navigation may be a promising, effective, sustainable, and scalable intervention. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/16406

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study on the Affordable Care Act from the Perspective of People Living with HIV: The Interplay between Knowledge, Stigma, Trust, and Attitudes

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Christopher Kaperak ◽  
Sarah Elwood ◽  
Tamara Saint-Surin ◽  
Christopher Winstead-Derlega ◽  
Robert O. Brennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background. Many AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) purchased Affordable Care Act (ACA) Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) for low-income people living with HIV (PLWH). To date, little has been published about PLWH’s perspective on the ACA. We explored ACA knowledge, HIV stigma, trust in the healthcare system, and ACA attitudes among PLWH with ADAP-funded QHPs in Virginia. Methods. Participants were surveyed about demographic characteristics, ACA knowledge, HIV stigma, trust in various healthcare and government entities, and attitudes toward the ACA. Descriptive statistics were used. We assessed for associations (1) between baseline characteristics and correct ACA knowledge, HIV-related stigma, trust, and ACA attitudes and (2) between correct ACA knowledge and the following data: sources of ACA knowledge, HIV stigma, and trust. Results. Participants (n = 53) were a vulnerable population based on the assessment of social determinants of health, and 30% had correct ACA knowledge. Almost three-fourths of participants used HIV clinic case managers for ACA information. Participants who used websites for ACA information had correct ACA knowledge more often compared to those that did not (71% vs. 15%; p  = 0.001). Those with correct ACA knowledge had lower stigma scores compared to those without correct ACA knowledge (93.8; SD: 15.4 vs. 108; SD: 20.3; p  = 0.01). Participants trusted HIV clinicians more than general clinicians and insurance companies. No association was found between having correct ACA knowledge and endorsing having enough information about the ACA to understand how it will impact their HIV care. Conclusions. Websites imparted accurate ACA information. HIV clinic case managers were the most used source, and HIV clinicians were a trusted source of information. HIV clinicians and case managers should consider disseminating information about the ACA and its impact on HIV care delivery via internet videos. Lack of internet and stigma are a threat to PLWH gaining actionable healthcare information.

scholarly journals Year 2 of Affordable Care Act Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) in a Medicaid Nonexpansion State: QHPs Associated With Viral Suppression for Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program Clients

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen A McManus ◽  
Anne Rhodes ◽  
Lauren Yerkes ◽  
Carolyn L Engelhard ◽  
Karen S Ingersoll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Delivery ◽  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Financial Status ◽  
Aids Drug Assistance Program

Abstract Background For year 1 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) clients with Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) achieved a higher rate of viral suppression. This study characterizes the demographic and health care delivery factors associated with QHP enrollment in year 2 and assesses the relationship between 2015 QHP coverage and HIV viral suppression. Methods The cohort included Virginia ADAP clients who were eligible for ADAP-funded QHPs. Data were collected from 2014 to 2015. Multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted to assess the association of demographic and health care delivery factors with QHP enrollment and viral suppression. Results In year 2, 63% of the cohort (n = 4631) enrolled in QHPs; 2015 ADAP-funded QHP enrollment was associated with 2014 ADAP-funded QHP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 111.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 90.91–166.67), 2014 engagement in care (aOR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.65–2.82), age (P &lt; .001), race/ethnicity (P = .03), financial status (P &lt; .001), and region (P &lt; .001). For clients engaged in care (n = 2501), viral suppression was higher (83.3%) for those with ADAP-funded QHP coverage than for those who received medications from ADAP (79.9%). In multivariable binary logistic regression, achieving viral suppression was associated with 2015 QHP coverage (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01–1.60), an initially undetectable viral load (aOR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.13–3.39), gender (P = .03), age (P = .01), no AIDS diagnosis (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12–1.78), financial status (P = .004), and region (P &lt; .001). Conclusions Virginia ADAP client 2015 QHP enrollment increased compared with year 1 and varied based on demographic and health care delivery factors. QHP coverage was again associated with viral suppression, an essential outcome for individuals and for public health.

scholarly journals Performance and Outcomes of Routine Viral Load Testing in People Living with HIV Newly Initiating ART in the Integrated HIV Care Program in Myanmar between January 2016 and December 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Sai Soe Thu Ya ◽  
Anthony D. Harries ◽  
Khin Thet Wai ◽  
Nang Thu Thu Kyaw ◽  
Thet Ko Aung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Virologic Failure ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
One Year ◽  
Living With Hiv

Myanmar has introduced routine viral load (VL) testing for people living with HIV (PLHIV) starting first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). The first VL test was initially scheduled at 12-months and one year later this changed to 6-months. Using routinely collected secondary data, we assessed program performance of routine VL testing at 12-months and 6-months in PLHIV starting ART in the Integrated HIV-Care Program, Myanmar, from January 2016 to December 2017. There were 7153 PLHIV scheduled for VL testing at 12-months and 1976 scheduled for VL testing at 6-months. Among those eligible for testing, the first VL test was performed in 3476 (51%) of the 12-month cohort and 952 (50%) of the 6-month cohort. In the 12-month cohort, 10% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 79% had repeat VL tests, 42% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 85% were switched to second-line ART. In the 6-month cohort, 11% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 83% had repeat VL tests, 26% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 39% were switched to second-line ART. In conclusion, half of PLHIV initiated on ART had VL testing as scheduled at 12-months or 6-months, but fewer PLHIV in the 6-month cohort were diagnosed with virologic failure and switched to second-line ART. Programmatic implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Initiation at a Community-Based Clinic in Jackson, MS

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney E. Sims Gomillia ◽  
Kandis V. Backus ◽  
James B. Brock ◽  
Sandra C. Melvin ◽  
Jason J. Parham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Healthcare Center ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART), ideally initiated within twenty-four hours of diagnosis, may be crucial in efforts to increase virologic suppression and reduce HIV transmission. Recent studies, including demonstration projects in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C., have demonstrated that rapid ART initiation is a novel tool for expediting viral suppression in clinical settings. Here we present an evaluation of the impact of a rapid ART initiation program in a community-based clinic in Jackson, MS. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with HIV at Open Arms Healthcare Center or were linked to the clinic for HIV care by the Mississippi State Department of Health Disease Intervention Specialists from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Initial viral load, CD4+ T cell count, issuance of an electronic prescription (e-script), subsequent viral loads until suppressed and patient demographics were collected for each individual seen in clinic during the review period. Viral suppression was defined as a viral load less than 200 copies/mL. Rapid ART initiation was defined as receiving an e-script for antiretrovirals within seven days of diagnosis. Results Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, 70 individuals were diagnosed with HIV and presented to Open Arms Healthcare Center, of which 63 (90%) completed an initial HIV counseling visit. Twenty-seven percent of patients were provided with an e-script for ART within 7 days of diagnosis. The median time to linkage to care for this sample was 12 days and 5.5 days for rapid ART starters (p < 0.001). Median time from diagnosis to viral suppression was 55 days for rapid ART starters (p = 0.03), a 22 day decrease from standard time to viral suppression. Conclusion Our results provide a similar level of evidence that rapid ART initiation is effective in decreasing time to viral suppression. Evidence from this evaluation supports the use of rapid ART initiation after an initial HIV diagnosis, including same-day treatment.

scholarly journals 1318. Examining Multimorbidity as a Moderating Effect on the Relationship Between Substance Use and Viral Suppression Among People Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S476-S476
Author(s):  
Timothy N Crawford ◽  
Alice Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Substance Users ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Substance use and multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) are highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, their impact on achieving viral suppression are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between substance use and viral suppression and the potential moderating effect of multimorbidity. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic Ryan White Funded clinic in central Kentucky. Individuals were included if they were diagnosed with HIV, seeking care between 2010 and 2014, had at least one year of follow-up, and did not have a chronic condition at the time they entered care. The primary independent variable was substance use which included alcohol, nicotine use, and/or illicit drug use; the moderating variable was multimorbidity (0, 1, ≥2 chronic conditions); and outcome was viral suppression (≤50 copies/mL). A logistic regression model was developed to examine the interaction between substance use and multimorbidity on achieving viral load suppression. The model controlled for medication adherence, insurance status, age, and CD4+ cell counts. Results A total of 941 individuals were included in the study, with an average age of 43.9 ± 11.7 years. Approximately 67.0% reported substance use; 54% had ≥2 chronic conditions diagnosed. The three most prevalent conditions diagnosed were hypertension (34.6%), mental health (33.9%), and diabetes (21.5%) Approximately 61.0% of substance users had ≥2 conditions. Those with viral suppression were less likely to be substance users, but were more likely to have ≥2 conditions compared with their counterparts. There was a significant interaction between substance use and multimorbidity (P = 0.037). Stratified by multimorbidity, substance use was associated with unsuppressed viral loads; among those with ≥2 chronic conditions substance users had lower odds of achieving viral suppression compared with nonusers (OR=0.24; 95% CI=0.10–0.55). Conclusion Substance use may impede the opportunity for PLWH to achieve viral suppression, increasing their risk of transmission and progression of disease. More research is needed to understand the role substance use plays in impacting viral load, specifically among those with multiple chronic conditions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals 1322. A Mobile Technology-Based Intervention Improves HIV Care Continuum for Young People Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S478-S478
Author(s):  
Ping Du ◽  
John Zurlo ◽  
Tarek Eshak ◽  
Tonya Crook ◽  
Cynthia Whitener
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Hiv Viral Suppression ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) have lower rates of retention in care and HIV viral suppression. Multiple barriers exist to engage YPLWH in care. As nearly all YPLWH use their mobile phones to access health information and to communicate with other people, we implemented a mobile technology-based intervention with the goal to improve HIV care continuum in YPLWH. Methods YPLWH were eligible for this study if they were: (1) aged 18–34 years; (2) newly diagnosed with HIV; (3) having a history of being out of care; or (4) not virally suppressed. We recruited YPLWH during January 2017-May 2018 and followed them every 6 months. We developed a HIPAA-compliant mobile application, “OPT-In For Life,” and let participants use this app to manage their HIV care. The app integrated multiple features that enabled users to communicate with the HIV treatment team via a secure messaging function, to access laboratory results and HIV prevention resources, and to set up appointment or medication reminders. We obtained participants’ demographics, app-usage data, and medical records to evaluate if this mobile technology-based intervention would improve HIV care continuum among YPLWH. We used a quasi-experiment study design to compare the rates of retention in care and HIV viral suppression every 6 months between study participants and YPLWH who were eligible but not enrolled in the study. Results 92 YPLWH participated in this study (70% male, 56% Hispanics or Blacks, 54% retained in care, and 66% virally suppressed at baseline). On average study participants used the app 1–2 times/week to discuss various health issues and supportive services with HIV providers, to access HIV-related health information, and to manage their HIV care. At the 6-month evaluation, compared with 88 eligible YPLWH who were not enrolled in this intervention, study participants had increased rates of retention in care (baseline-to-6-month between participants and nonparticipants: 54%–84% vs. 26%–25%) and HIV viral suppression (66%–80% vs. 56%–60%). Conclusion Our study demonstrates using a HIPAA-compliant mobile app as an effective intervention to engage YPLWH in care. This intervention can be adapted by other HIV programs to improve HIV care continuum for YPLWH or broader HIV populations. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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