What is the AIDS Insurance Continuation Program?

The AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP) is a publicly funded statewide program that pays the monthly or quarterly health insurance premiums for clients who are qualified. The program is funded by the State of Florida general revenue funds and Ryan White Part B funds. The AICP does not provide health insurance policies to clients it merely allows them continue with their current health insurance.

Who qualifies for the AICP?

Anyone who meets all of the following requirements:

• Diagnosis of AIDS or HIV+ with symptoms
• Currently covered by private health insurance (includes COBRA, group or individual policies)
• Currently meets Ryan White Part B Eligibility Criteria
• Willing to sign all forms and paperwork required by the program

Who is responsible for the AIDS Insurance Continuation Program?

The AICP is a program run by the Department of Health at the state level. The department contracts with the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. to manage the program throughout the state. The Health Council has formed an enrollment site network with several community based AIDS service organizations. Although many of our clients are on COBRA, the program does not have any formal ties to the COBRA program.

What does the AICP cover?

The AICP covers all forms of private health insurance. Please contact your Case Manager or the Health Council if this applies to you.

Will the AICP cover my dependent's health insurance?

The AICP can now pay for dependent's (family) health insurance premiums if you can demonstrate that the entire family is in jeopardy of losing coverage with AICP assistance.

What should I do once my COBRA coverage runs out?

Clients covered by a COBRA policy have the right to convert to an individual policy (1996 HIPAA legislation). The AICP strongly encourages clients to try to convert their coverage into an individual policy after their COBRA expires (18 or 29 months). Recent legislation should make it somewhat less restrictive to obtain individual health insurance coverage. For more information about your rights call State of Florida Department of Insurance (1-800-342-2762).

How does HIPAA cover pre-existing conditions?

This legislation prevents an insurance company from imposing any pre-existing condition exclusions when you convert to an individual policy. For more information about your rights call State of Florida Department of Insurance (1-800-342-2762).

If my insurance company offers me a conversion plan after my COBRA expires, do I have to accept it or can I look for better coverage?

If your COBRA company cannot offer you a policy with adequate coverage you may find insurance from any other company that offers individual coverage in Florida. For more information about your rights call State of Florida Department of Insurance (1-800-342-2762).

Will my employer offer me insurance if I have a medical condition?

Group coverage offered by an employer should not have any pre-existing condition clauses. However, you may be charged a higher rate based on your condition. For more information about your rights call State of Florida Department of Insurance (1-800-342-2762).

Is it true that if I use my Health Insurance too much I will get my coverage dropped?

Absolutely not, it is legally impossible for an insurance company to drop you for use of an insurance policy. The AICP strongly encourages all clients to use their health insurance to obtain care. The AICP currently has many clients who obtain tens of thousands of dollars in healthcare related services through the program each year. It is vital to your health that you at a minimum have regular preventative check-ups with your physician. If you have received such threats from your insurance company, we urge you to contact the State of Florida Department of Insurance (1-800-342-2762).

What rights do I have regarding my health insurance coverage?

The following sites offer valuable information about Florida insurance law & your rights as a consumer:

Florida Department of Insurance (http://www.fldfs.com/)

• Consumer Helpline - 1-800-342-2762, 1-800-640-0886 (TDD)
• Health Insurance Consumers' Guide
  Frequently Asked Insurance Questions
• List of Insurance Providers across the State

Georgetown University Institute for Health Care Research & Policy
(http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/)

• "A Consumer's Guide to Getting and Keeping Health Insurance in Florida"*
  *also provides reports for other states

The National Association of People with AIDS (http://www.napwa.org)

• "Protecting Your Private Health Insurance: How the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Could Help You!"

What will happen if funding for the program is cut?

Currently, this does not appear to be an issue. The Department of Health and the Florida Legislature have all expressed their support for this program.

My insurance premium is $700 per month; will the AICP cover this?

The AICP pays for health insurance premiums up to $750 per month. In some cases, depending on current demand and funds available, the AICP may be able to exceed this limit. Please have your Case Manager contact the Health Council if you feel that you are in need of this additional assistance.

I have been unable to pay my health insurance for the past three months, can AICP help?

At this time the AICP is not able to make back payments. Your Case Manager may be able to help you secure other emergency funding to pay your premiums/back payments until you are enrolled into the AICP.

I pay for my insurance through payroll deduction and my employer will not accept a third party check, how should this be handled?

Unfortunately the AICP can only reimburse the CBO's for premiums. By law, the program is not allowed to reimburse individuals for their premium expense.

When does the client need to send their premium notices to the CBO?

Clients can select one of the following options:

• Client can have duplicates of their premium notice sent directly to the CBO paying the premium by contacting their insurance company and making this request;
• Clients can give their Case Manager their premium notice in a timely manner and the Case Manager will forward to the CBO paying the premium;
• Booklets/coupons can be sent to the CBO paying the premium;
•  Clients can send the premium notices directly to the CBO paying the premium.
• All Clients that do not receive monthly premium statements, a letter from the insurance company or employer stating the clients coverage period, the monthly premium amount, where to send payment, etc. can be used.
• Client must be in contact with Case Manager on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.