Ryan White CARE Act

The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act is a federal law enacted in 1990 that addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV disease (PLWH/A) by funding primary health care and support services. The CARE Act was named after Ryan White, an Indiana teenager whose courageous struggle with HIV/AIDS and against AIDS-related discrimination helped educate the nation.

CARE Act-funded programs are the "payer of last resort." They fill gaps in care not covered by other resources. Most likely users of CARE Act services include people with no other source of healthcare and those with Medicaid or private insurance whose care needs are not being met.

CARE Act service goals are:

• Reduce the use of more costly inpatient care
• Increase access to care for underserved populations
• Improve the quality of life for those affected by the epidemic

The CARE Act works toward these goals by funding local and State programs that provide primary medical care and support services; healthcare provider training; and technical assistance to help funded programs address implementation and emerging HIV care issues.

In Maryland, the Ryan White CARE Act supports many health care and support services for people living with and affected by HIV disease and AIDS. These include:

• Primary out-patient medical care
• Dental care
• Mental health counseling
• Nutrition advice
• Substance abuse treatment and counseling (out-patient)
• Treatment adherence counseling
• Emergency financial assistance
• Case management
• Client advocacy
• Support groups for clients and families
• Food bank and home-delivered meals
• Temporary housing assistance
• Transportation to medical and support services
• Drug Assistance

To find out if you qualify to receive any treatment or care services please click here.

Click here to read more about the federal Ryan White CARE Act.