Medicaid AIDS waivers: seeking cost effective financing of AIDS care

The epidemic of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) emerged at a time of transition in American health care and health care policy. The waiver of traditional Medicaid limitations on home and community-based health care services for persons with AIDS has been utilized by several states attempting to demonstrate models of care where quality of life as well as financial concerns are addressed. The Medicaid AIDS Waiver programs in New Jersey and Florida note promising results in the cost-effectiveness of such programs when compared with traditional Medicaid. Variations in patient participation by geographic area and demographic characteristics indicate areas for future improvement in program accessibility.