Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

About This Program

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the payer of last resort for Americans living with HIV who have limited or no health insurance coverage and cannot afford the care they need. Ryan White funds pay for primary HIV medical care, antiretroviral medications (ART), dental care, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, case management, transportation to medical appointments, and other services that support treatment adherence and viral suppression. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), funded through Ryan White Part B, is particularly important for medication access. Antiretroviral regimens can cost $20,000-$50,000 per year at retail prices. ADAP provides these medications either directly or through insurance premium and cost-sharing support, making viral suppression achievable for people regardless of income. Viral suppression not only keeps people with HIV healthy — it also prevents transmission, making ADAP a public health intervention as well as individual care support. Ryan White does not provide insurance — it funds a network of care organizations and pays for specific services for eligible patients. To access Ryan White services, contact your local HIV health services provider. The HRSA Care database at hab.hrsa.gov lists Ryan White-funded programs by location. Eligibility requires both an HIV diagnosis and demonstrated financial need. Income limits vary by program and service type. Many Ryan White providers also help clients access other coverage — Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, or Medicare — since Ryan White is designed as a supplemental source when other coverage is unavailable, not a first resort.

Eligibility Requirements

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