Title
Ratify an Agreement between the California Department of Public Health and Natividad Medical Center (NMC) which was signed by the Deputy Purchasing Agent for NMC on October 15, 2014 to provide program enrollment services to uninsured and underinsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS through the NIDO Clinic at Natividad Medical Center, with a retroactive term starting on July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016, at no cost to the County.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
Ratify an Agreement between the California Department of Public Health and Natividad Medical Center (NMC) which was signed by the Deputy Purchasing Agent for NMC on October 15, 2014 to provide program enrollment services to uninsured and underinsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS through the NIDO Clinic at Natividad Medical Center, with a retroactive term starting on July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016, at no cost to the County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
California Health and Safety Code 131019 designates the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Center for Infectious Diseases, Office of AIDS (OA) as the lead agency within the state responsible for coordinating state programs, services and activities related to HIV and AIDS.
The California AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) was established in 1987 to help ensure that HIV-positive uninsured and underinsured individuals have access to medication.
The average monthly cost of HIV/AIDS medication is $2,500. Many insurance plans have categorized HIV meds as specialty or top-tier drugs. This increases patient's cost, making treatment unaffordable. The ADAP Program provides no-or low-cost prescription coverage to low-income individuals.
NIDO Clinic is one of two certified enrollment sites in Monterey County that currently serve over 250 clients. In 2013, NIDO Clinic enrolled over 100 clients in ADAP. NIDO Clinic has saved many patients the effort and confusion of going to another agency in order to ...
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