The HIV landscape in a managed care environment: current challenges and potential solutions

To review the current impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its treatment on the population and on managed care.

In 2006, HIV/AIDS remains as big a problem as ever, with many countries reporting an incidence of 40% or higher among intravenous drug users. While daunting, this does not detract from the many victories that have occurred over the HIV/AIDS landscape. Mortality has declined dramatically since 1995. Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been simplified and offers substantial survivor benefits. The net effect of these advances has been to change the face of HIV/AIDS, from a fatal to a chronic illness. Accordingly, current and evolving management strategies need to encompass long-term care.

As people live longer, health care management organizations will be looking to balance good outcomes and successful long-term care with acceptable costs.