This paper portrays how older PWA/HIV navigate the condition, now that its chronic nature makes long term (but not necessarily healthy) survival increasingly likely, and thereby to develop a qualitative picture of ongoing and fluid concerns. The research was addressed to the experiences of older individuals with HIV/AIDS. This presentation is based on preliminary key informant interviews, together with data from our policy analysis. Our research focused on interactions between older persons with HIV/AIDS, and providers -- primary care physicians and specialists, as well as health plan and medical group decisionmakers -- have become increasingly complex. Because the health care environment today is vastly different from what these individuals have previously experienced, we were interested in understanding how PWA/HIV and their providers reach decisions about care: how decisions are made about a medication regime, what individuals understand about ongoing care and adherence, and what factors account for differences in choices and in care. Using a modification of the "Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization" framework facilitated our examination of barriers to health care for older PWA/HIV, highlighting the interdependence of individual, community, and policy-relevant factors. The policy issues addressed include: patient and provider strategies for decisionmaking; issues of access to appropriate health care and social services appropriate for the aging process as well as for HIV/AIDS treatment; the complexities of insurance coverage, including the impact of managed care, and Medicare and Medicaid eligibility; workplace issues: ADA, unemployment, disability coverage, retirement and pensions; and end-of-life care .
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will: (1) Understand the demographics and current policy issues with respect to HIV and older individuals; (2) Be able to assess the efficacy of current mechanisms for intervention; (3) be able to critique the impact of current health care policies for older indivisuals, with respect to this population
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.