People who are not Medicaid eligible and have Aids or a HIV-related disease can get Affordable Health Insurance. It is called AHIP --- AIDS Health Insurance Program. It will pay for the Health Insurance Premiums not including any required deductibles and co-pays. What it does is let one continue to have health insurance --- getting to see the same doctor and other primary care givers that have been being seen.

There are Strict criteria for eligibility into this Program ---- they are as follows:

The monthly income can be no higher than $1,559 if single or no higher that $2,096 for 2 in the house.

One must have existing insurance and not be eligible for Medicaid.

One must have a HIV - related disease or AIDS.

Documentation needed is as follows:

Insurance Card

Social Security Card

Proof of Citizenship such as a Green Card, passport or naturalization papers

Proof of Income such as a pay stub, SSI/SSD letter or unemployment benefits letter

Proof of residency ---- a rent receipt or lease agreement or electric bill

A letter from the doctor stating the diagnosis.                                                                                            What is very important is that one must apply for AHIP before the current insurance is scheduled to end because AHIP will not be able to get new insurance.

The phone # for the Advocacy Helpline is 212-367-1125 from 2:00PM to 5:30PM. They will be able to answer any questions. I friend, significant other, a relative or an advocate can apply for someone if they have all of the documentation.