The Ryan White CARE Act provides medical and social support services to benefit low-income, uninsured and under-insured individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. This study examines the relationship between client characteristics and utilization of CARE Act services in an index year (1997; N=47,528) and receipt of services in the subsequent year (1998) for consumers served by seven Ryan White CARE Act Grantees. Client characteristics include demographics, economic indicators, and health status as measured by an AIDS diagnosis. Dichotomous variables indicating receipt of each CARE Act funded service are used to assess service utilization. Logistic regression techniques were used to identify predictors of continued service utilization. Sixty percent (N=28,448) of the consumers who received CARE Act services in 1997 continued to receive services from CARE Act providers in 1998. Logistic regression results indicate that African Americans and Hispanics were significantly less likely than Whites to continue receiving CARE Act services in 1998. Continuing receipt of CARE Act services was significantly more likely for consumers with no insurance or with public insurance than for those with private insurance. Receiving medical care services, case management, emergency financial assistance, housing assistance and/or transportation services in 1997 was predictive of continued utilization in 1998. Consumers who received home health care and/or permanency planing services in 1997 were less likely to receive services in 1998; these findings may be a proxy for more advanced disease. Further analyses will examine the types of services utilized over time by consumers continuing to receive CARE Act services.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: Describe client characteristics that are predictive of continued service utilization; Assess the impact of receiving different types of services and combinations of services on continued service utilization; and Recognize methods for predicting ongoing service utilization
Keywords: Access and Services, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This presentation discusses Ryan White CARE Act services provided for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. I am employed by HRSA/HIV-AIDS Bureau which administers the Ryan White CARE Act.