http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/index.html en-us http://www.thebody.com/images/logo/logo_notopics.gif http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/index.html 15 View questions and answers about Workplace and Insurance Issues or ask your own questions for our expert to answer. Our expert for this forum is Mr. Chambers. http://www.thebody.com/Forums/rss/AIDS/Workplace.xml self application/xml http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243544.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243544.html Wed, 30 Dec 2015 16:17:52 -0400
A: The efavirenz in Atripla can cause a false positive test for THC with some assays. Typically I have written a to whom it may concern note to employee health documenting that the employee has been prescribed a drug that can result in a false + THC test that the employee can either keep to have available in case the situations arises or can give to employee health proactively (often the note does not need to specify either the drug or the condition). KH

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243515.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243515.html Sat, 26 Dec 2015 23:56:26 -0400
A: If you have a Medicare Supplement Policy (aka Medigap), the state does not pay those premiums so the rule on Special Enrollment Periods would not apply. If ADAP is paying your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage, to my knowledge, that does not extend the Special Enrollment Period either. I do recommend that you confirm that with an insurance agent knowledgeable with both Medicare and some knowledge of ADAP.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243514.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243514.html Sat, 26 Dec 2015 23:48:30 -0400
A: Historically, student health plans have been very bare-bones coverage. You should check the benefits, but I doubt you will find much drug coverage. They do not meet the Minimum Essential Coverage requirements under ACA.However, you probably could qualify for Maryland's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) which, with your income, would provide many medications as no cost.Each state's plan is different so do a browser search for "Maryland ADAP" and you will find all the details.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243513.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243513.html Sat, 26 Dec 2015 23:43:46 -0400
A: For the most current information, you should search for "Working in Spain/Chile with HIV" There are multiple sites that can give you guidance.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243512.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243512.html Sat, 26 Dec 2015 23:40:36 -0400
A: As a student in The Netherlands or Australia, you could be eligible for their state insurance plan which would provide your medications at little or no cost. Check with each country's websites about how they handle insurance and HIV medications.In your country it will depend on whether their rules permit you to live elsewhere and still get the medications. In some plans, as long as you maintain a local mailing address it can be possible.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243511.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243511.html Sat, 26 Dec 2015 23:36:51 -0400
A: No, your policy has been in effect for too long for the insurance company to raise any question about the contract's validity.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243417.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243417.html Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:18:19 -0400
A: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) handles absences from work for medical reasons in several ways. One way would be to take time off for up to 12 weeks while you recover and gain strength to return to work. This continuous type of absence is the one that would require a "yes" answer to the one in your question. However, also under FMLA, it can provide for someone to work fewer hours or days due to a medical condition, or take time off periodically to recover strength or go to doctor appoint...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243416.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243416.html Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:13:33 -0400
A: It will depend on the type of work the the work permit process in each country. You mention the US and UK. Both countries place no prohibition on HIV+ coming in and working, however, you would have to follow their rules for any immigrant coming into the country. You can do an internet search about working in those countries and gather a lot of information.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243415.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243415.html Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:10:16 -0400
A: The number one issue to check is which plan has the doctors you prefer in their network. If they both are, and you use doctors and lab tests fairly often, then the POS (Point of Service) Plan might be better since in-network does not have an in-network deductible. You should also check, however, how they handle lab tests as they are the most expensive portion of monitoring you condition. Also, consider what they pay for medications. Is the medication coverage behind the $1,000 deductible or sep...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243414.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243414.html Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:04:08 -0400
A: Interesting. I tried it with the three brand name medications I'm on. Two showed prices within $5 of each other. The third, however, showed a wide disparity in prices. They do tend to only list major chains. Generally, for HIV medications, it seems the smaller, more specialized pharmacies seem to do a better job overall. However, that often assumes an ADAP plan is picking up the cost. Worth a look. Thank you for the information.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243413.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243413.html Mon, 14 Dec 2015 22:58:37 -0400
A: Thank you for the additional information. I am not sure what law prohibits that, but perhaps I'm thinking of different copay cards, the ones that manufacturer's provide.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243327.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243327.html Fri, 04 Dec 2015 18:26:55 -0400
A: Unfortunately, this won't take long. Of all the life policies that require evidence of good health, none will accept someone HIV+ but one. In just the last few days, I have seen a couple of announcements that Prudential Financial will accept someone who is HIV+, but I am sure there are strings. First they are only offering two types of policies, 10 year and 15 year convertible term insurance. These policies will expire at the end of the term unless you convert them to whole life policies, which ...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243298.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243298.html Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:38:44 -0400
A: I would certainly start with the VA to see if they are able to provide your healthcare. Also, by losing your insurance, you will qualify for a plan under the Affordable Care Act, and with lower income, the government may pick up a portion of the premiums, a large portion if your income is low enough. Also, each state has an AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADA), and an individual with an income of less than $88,850/year can qualify for it. Each state operates its own program and the formularies an...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243296.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243296.html Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:14:47 -0400
A: This did not come through.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243295.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243295.html Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:13:55 -0400
A: I can answer the insurance portion of your question, but you should ask a doctor on this panel the medical issue. The Netherlands has an excellent single payer health system, that you may be able to join. If you are working part time while there, you will be eligible for it. I am attaching more information based on where you are coming from.If you are not eligible for their national insurance, you will be able to purchase private coverage. I have done some work with HIV+ people in The Netherland...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243197.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243197.html Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:32:54 -0400
A: I assume you live outside the United States, because in the U.S., it is illegal for broad coverage health insurance plans to refuse you coverage or even ask your HIV status. In the U.S., certain limited policies such as hospital only, cancer, dread disease, etc. can probably get away with it, but that is a sure sign the coverage is limited. As an aside, those policies are usually the most profitable for the insurance companies which means they don't pay out many claims compared to what they take...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243188.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243188.html Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:04:56 -0400
A: Unfortunately, Medicare sets the rules on who is primary and secondary when there is more than one insurance policy. They publish a booklet on it on line (CMS-02179) Because your plan is individual coverage, I recommend you call their Coordination of Benefits Contractor at 800-999-1118. Have the policy with you when you call. <a href="http://https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/02179.pdf" target=_new>(CMS-02179)</a> That booklet deals mainly with group health coverage so you should also read your c...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243181.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243181.html Thu, 19 Nov 2015 18:56:50 -0400
A: First, I would recommend you check to see if you qualify for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) in your state. A browser search for "ADAP (your state)" should get you that information. If eligible, this will supplement the drug benefit of your insurance plan. Next, does your employer provide any kind of health coverage for retirees? Some larger ones do. If so, get a copy of it, to see what drug benefits it provides. If you are age 65 or over you are eligible to join Medicare. If you are ove...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243118.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243118.html Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:36:37 -0400
A: Given your recent history, I doubt that you will have any problem if they give you a review. You may not even get one. This is somewhat early since you don't even have Medicare, and they are behind in reviewing claims. There are two review forms. One, the short form, is not that difficult. This site will give you instructions and a link to see the form. <a href="http://www.lsnjlaw.org/Disability/SSDI-SSI/Pages/Continuing-Disability-SSI.aspx#.VkOztMr7I_0" target=_new>This site will give you inst...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243117.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243117.html Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:27:29 -0400
A: It really depends on the source of those benefits. Re the tax question, you should talk to a tax person to see if filing jointly benefits you. If disability benefits come from SSDI, then marriage should have no impact, except depending on the spouse's age and children in the family, there may be some spousal benefits. If it comes from a private policy, then only the person insured's income will affect the benefits. Health insurance, if it comes through the Affordable Care Act, uses household inc...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243116.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243116.html Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:13:38 -0400
A: As long as you are in the U.S. with permission, the fact that you and/or he are HIV+ should make no difference. You definitely should tell your doctors about this as even if you test positive, it is still possible to have a healthy baby. As has been the law for the past few years, health insurance companies cannot ask medical questions about new enrollees, and must accept everyone eligible to apply regardless of their health status. You all should be OK. Good luck and congratulations.

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243034.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q243034.html Sat, 31 Oct 2015 17:43:15 -0400
A: First, let me emphasize that I am not an attorney, and this really is a legal question. You should put this to an attorney at a legal services organization in your area.You may also want to contact the US Department of Labor who administers COBRA. You can find information about COBRA and how to contract the DOL at this site. <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm" target=_new>at this site.</a> That said, the COBRA law allows the employer or COBRA administrator to charge the...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q242953.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q242953.html Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:23:33 -0400
A: I assume from your question title you will be living in Texas. You can find information on the Texas AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP at this site. <a href="http://https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/meds/" target=_new>at this site.</a> The eligibility rules can be found under the FAQ link on that page. It does require Texas residency, which you will be, so you should be eligible if you meet the income requirements which just went up to about $58,000 per year (500% of the Federal Poverty Lev...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q242952.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q242952.html Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:14:43 -0400
A: Unfortunately, the federal Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does not provide any income benefit. Primarily it protects a person's job position and continues any employee benefits while a person is off work due to a serious medical condition of him or her-self or a member of the family for up to twelve weeks. See this site for more information on that. Five states require employers to offer a mandatory disability income benefit which can provide some income when a person can't work. The states a...

Read More ]]> http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q242951.html http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/Q242951.html Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:04:57 -0400
A: In the U.S. there can be a lot of assistance with getting the medications and treatment one needs for HIV. However, it really depends on what part of the country your friend lives in. In metropolitan areas, there are usually one or more AIDS Service Organizations that can provide or direct your friend to assistance. The federal government provides funding for each state to have an AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Because the amount each state get is not as much as it should be, many states p...

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