title: The prospect of a generation free of HIV may be within reach if the right policy decisions are made.
abstract: Scientific advances have transformed HIV treatment and prevention, leading to the adoption of an approach that emphasizes broad testing and antiretroviral treatment at earlier stages in the disease, called "test and treat." In addition to clinical benefits, early treatment generates considerable social and economic value. These changes raise the prospect that for the first time since the 1980s, an entire generation might be free of HIV. However, achieving such a goal will require continued scientific advances and the presence of policies and programs to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to health care and adhere to treatment regimens. This article explores the opportunities and challenges that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) presents for people living with HIV/AIDS and discusses how the act's various components might interact with existing support for people with HIV/AIDS, such as the Ryan White Program. As the ACA's reforms proceed, coordinated state and federal programs must make smart policy choices so that critical access to and affordability of comprehensive care are maintained in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
authors.forename: Dana P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Goldman
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Juday
authors.forename: Mark T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Linthicum
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rosenblatt
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Seekins
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000639:trends; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D005544:Forecasting; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000639:trends*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000639:trends*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000639:trends; D008484:Medicaid / Q000639:trends; D058991:Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: AIDS/HIV; Access To Care; Health Reform; Organization and Delivery of Care; Public Health