Complaint accuses Fla. insurers of discrimination against HIV patients
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Two health organizations filed a complaint with federal officials Thursday, alleging that some Florida insurance companies are violating the Affordable Care Act by structuring their drug policies in a way that discourages consumers with HIV and AIDS from choosing their plans.
heathcare-drugsThe National Health Law Program and The AIDS Institute say four insurance companies offering plans in Florida through the federal online exchange required HIV and AIDS patients to pay a percentage of their often expensive drugs instead of a flat co-pay. For example, instead of paying a flat $10 co-pay at the pharmacy, the plans require patients to pay 40 to 50 percent of the cost of their drug, which could run into the thousands of dollars.
The report alleges that CoventryOne requires consumers to pay 40 percent co-insurance for the cost of all HIV drugs, including generics, after a $1,000 deductible.
“That would be about $1,000 per month pe r drug in most instances. What patient could afford that?” said Carl Schmid, deputy executive director of The AIDS Institute.
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/05/complaint-accuses-fla-insurers-of-discrimination-against-hiv-patients/