I have learned that I contracted the AIDS virus six months ago. I'm not working, and my husband does not make enough to cover my medication. Medicaid does not want to help me -- I have been trying. Didn't Congress pass a bill requiring Medicaid to help people who can't afford their medication? Does HIV count as a disability? Can you tell me where can I go for help? I don't want to die.

Rachel

Treatment for HIV is expensive, and the outcomes are still not acceptable. It is a dreaded condition, and if a person does not already have insurance coverage, it is unlikely that the person will qualify for coverage. The fortunate ones are those who work for an employer who provides insurance as a benefit or those who live in a state that requires carriers to issue insurance on a guaranteed basis. Even so, coverage for prescription drugs is not a certainty.

Those who meet income eligibility requirements may qualify for Medicaid, which varies from state to state. However, there is no federal law requiring Medicaid to pay for medications for people who cannot afford them if those people do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid. Congress is grappling with a way to provide prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, but this does not affect current Medicaid provisions. Further, while there is an effort to include HIV-positive people under the protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this is not an accomplished fact.

Where does a person go for help and information? First, you may be able to find a prescription drug discount program that would allow you to pay a lower amount for your medications. Drug discount organizations are plentiful, and most national pharmacy chains sponsor such programs. Check with WalMart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid and others. You can also search the Internet for "prescription drug discount cards."

Second, there is a wealth of HIV information on the Internet. Start with the HIV/AIDS information center here at iVillageHealth. You will find a wide variety of helpful information and resources that will be helpful. In particular, read the HIV-related columns by iVillageHealth's Infectious Diseases Expert, Dr. Harold Oster.

Here are some other useful websites:

• HIV.com offers basic information and links to hundreds of useful web sites.
  
• The HIV Infoweb has dozens of categories of HIV-related information and links.
  

For more websites, search the web for "HIV" and you will find hundreds of options.
Your community may have other resources available for people like you. Call your county health department or information line and find out who can counsel you on options and opportunities.