Solving the Problem of Threats to Care for Medicaid Beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS

In an effort to stem their share of rising Medicaid expenditures, states are searching for innovative methods to contain the costs of health care for beneficiaries. Placing these beneficiaties in managed care arrangements has become an increasingly popular solution. In their haste to implement these programs and achieve cost savings, however, states may compromise the quality of care to which beneficiaries are entitled, specifically those with HlV! AIDS for whom potential changes in the quality of care are life-threatening. Since HN / AIDS requires a comprehensive system of treatment to ameliorate the patient's conditions and prolong life as well as prevent the spread of the epidemic, this population does not fit easily into the managed care framework of controlled access to services and preventive care.