Medicaid eligibility policies for people with AIDS

Although Medicaid is the primary payer for health services provided to people with AIDS, Medicaid eligibility policies can be restrictive. This study presents Medicaid eligibility policies in each state for people with AIDS or HIV infection, including the categorical and medically needy classifications. The study documents that medically needy coverage is an important route to Medicaid coverage for people with AIDS. Because of the importance of this medically needy coverage, extending presumptive disability to any person with HIV and allowing them to spend down would provide a health financing safety net for people infected with HIV.