race yourself, children! This is going to seem complicated. Mostly because... it kinda’ is. Don’t worry, I’ll only go on about the logistics for a couple paragraphs. Then, it’s story time! Okay,
so...not a lot of us make a ton of money, right? And some of us would rather hand over a grand to our rent and vodka funds than to medication bills and doctors’ visits. Well listen up! If you’re an adult HIV-positive California resident who earns just enough money to scrape by and has no other private insur- ance, you’re in luck! (for a change).
California understands that HIV—just like any other unplanned life tur- bulence—just kind of happens and that we might need a hand until we gain sufficient footing to establish ourselves better. For this reason, health coverage has been made available...but only for those who work for it! You may have heard of it. It’s called LIHP (Low Income Health Program). To qualify for LIHP’s Health Care Coverage, each applicant must not earn
more than 200 percent of the current Federal Poverty Level (or no more than $1,915 per month). To start the application process, any clinic in the area will point you in the right direction. I was referred by The North Park branch of Family Health Centers of San Diego. But wait a minute, isn’t health
care for HIV-positive individuals a matter for ADAP or the Ryan White Care Act? Not necessarily. Since the 1990s, the number of HIV cases has obviously grown, but there’s only so much medical help that the donated funds in this program can buy. LIHP is a county program. LIHP and ADAP are only really related by the fact that they both help cover certain medical expenses. Assuming you’ve applied and been approved for both, ADAP should be thought of as the last-resort medication assistance program that goes into effect in case one’s existing LIHP coverage lapses. And try not to think of ADAP as an all-encompassing health plan either, as it only covers HIV-related ailments. LIHP, on the other hand, can cover quite a few more like outpatient and inpatient services, emergency and dental services, prescription drugs, vision coverage, etc. Sounds great, right? It is! But be
County Assessor’s Office. If you’re in San Diego you’re in for a treat. This building is historically rich and picturesque. And you can witness all the nervous brides and blushing grooms waiting for their turn to trade vows. Once that’s taken care of...
• Application Time! If you’re in San Diego, THIS building
is...um...urban. Just
get here early on a weekday. Like 9 a.m. early. upon checking in at the office, you’ll get a sloppily-assembled inch-thick application packet with many repeating pages (only a slight exaggeration). Take your time filling everything out to the best of your ability. Also, become familiar with EXACTLY how much money you earn. If will be asked of you approximately 769 times. It might also be a good idea to grab a bite at a nearby deli before you commit your afternoon to this office, as it will likely take most of it. Smuggling in food isn’t advisable; the metal detectors will surely give you away as the x-ray scanners bombard your messenger bag with radiation. Yes, you read correctly. Metal detectors. I’m not even kidding.
• Be Honest. This is a good rule GIMME SOME LIHP!
willing to jump through hoops to get what you want! Having gone through the process myself, I can of- fer a few tips to minimize the stress... and limit the number of times you’ll have to drive to the welfare office (A.K.A. Family Resource Center).
• First and foremost...HAVE YOUR PAPERWORK READY. Before you even
leave the house, you’d better be able to provide your birth certificate, your pass- port and your social security card. Don’t have them? Be prepared to run around town to fetch them! The process isn’t all that arduous if you know what to look forward to. Your social security card can be ordered for a fee at your local Social Security Administration. It takes about a week-and-a-half to get to you via snail- mail. Your birth certificate can be bought and printed out in 20 minutes at the
22 RAGE monthly | MARCH 2013
PUCKER UP FOR FREE HEALTH COVERAGE
by paul montero
across the board, I suppose. But it’s especially pertinent at the “group intake interviews.” Here, you’ll have the chance to go over the important documents in your application and cut through the 15 pounds of paper clutter. Again, you’ll be asked to confirm your place of employment and income. If something doesn’t add up, it will be obvious.
• Make nice with the staff.
These patient people deal with the urgent problems of rude, desperate
citizens ALL DAY. Taking the time to smile and thank them for their help will ensure that they bend over backward to make sure that your application goes through quickly.
Thinking twice about this process? Well DON’T. This is free health coverage, people! Not only can it extend your life, it can also teach you a thing or two about perspective. After sitting for hours in a waiting room next to scream- ing infants and people affected with REAL problems, the drive back to cushy confines of my openly-gay neighborhood felt so privileged. I realized that we’re very lucky. We live in a state where we can simply ask for help and get it if we’re deemed truly in need of it. Just remember to make the effort to receive it.
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