Trends in Serving People with HIV/AIDS through Medicaid Managed Care
This report compares 1996 and 1998 survey data on states serving people with HIV/AIDS through risk-based Medicaid managed care. Looking at trends since 1996 is important because of the emergence of combination therapy – in which people take several drugs (including at least one protease inhibitor) to decrease their amount of active HIV – which has revolutionized treatment. HIV/AIDS is now considered a chronic disease. Medications have displaced hospitals and hospices to take “center stage” in treatment. Standards of care have continued their rapid pace of development, affecting a number of areas detailed throughout the report. While this survey cannot capture all program design details which could affect this population, it should provide a general understanding.
| 1999.Feb_.trends.serving.people.hiv_.aids_.medicaid.managed.care_.pdf | 4.1 MB |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
