The Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act is federal legislation that addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This Act is intended to help communities and states increase the availability of primary health care and support services in order to reduce utilization of more costly inpatient care, increase access to care for underserved populations, and improve the quality of life of those affected by the epidemic. The priority is to ensure that clients ultimately receive primary care, which includes maintenance or initiation of treatment according to Public Health Services guidelines and adherence to medication regimens, leading to improved health outcomes. These services are intended for low-income, underinsured, and uninsured persons living with HIV. They are funds of “last resort,” meaning that all other funding sources for a service must be exhausted before using Ryan White funds for the service. For more detailed information on the Act, refer to the Care Council New Member Orientation Handbook.
Eligibility for Ryan White-funded Services
In order to enroll for Ryan White-funded services, all consumers must provide proofs of eligibility each year. The first time you go to receive Ryan White-funded services, you will need to bring proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of HIV diagnosis, and proof of meeting low-income requirements. Ryan White services and medications are free for those with an income under $43,560, regardless of immigration status.
The table below shows what documentation you can use to prove your eligibility:
Proof of Identification
Proof of Marin Residency
Proof of Income
Proof of HIV Diagnosis
Driver’s license
Utility bill
State/Federal tax return indicating adjusted gross income
Diagnosis letter from doctor’s office on MD stationery
Immigration card
Lease/mortgage statement
W-2 or 1099 form
Lab test results with CD4
and/or viral load test
State ID card
Support affidavit
Current pay stub
Positive test result from ELISA and/or Western Blot HIV test (not anonymous)
Passport
Letter from a shelter
Bank statement indicating direct deposited income
Photo ID from another Country
Disability award letter (e.g. SSI, SSDI, SDI)
Self-employment affidavit
Support affidavit
There will be a 30-day grace period for obtaining this information, which means that you can receive services even if you don’t have all of this information on your first visit. You must, however, provide these documents within 30 days in order to continue receiving services. If you do not provide any missing proof of eligibility within the 30-day grace period, you will need to re-apply to receive additional services. For more information call: (415) 473-7590 or email: csantini@marincounty.org
